Capitalism, Crime and Media in the 21st Century

This edited collection explores the intersection of capitalism, crime, and the media, using cultural criminology to understand crime's political basis. It consists of eleven chapters and three sections, examining how power systems influence the media, how texts are used to conduct politics, and communicate politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 235 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited collection from leading scholars in the fields of media, communications, cultural studies, and a number of aligned areas explores the intersection of capitalism, crime, and the media. The text is grounded in the principles of cultural criminology, which posits that the determination of crime and its mediation in popular culture have a political basis. The book comprises eleven chapters and is divided into three sections. Section one examines the interplay between crime and capitalism in a diverse array of contemporary cultural texts. Section two delves into how various power systems shape the media's role in reporting crime and holding the powerful accountable. Section three examines how texts in various formats are employed to conduct politics, communicate politics, and shape political decision-making processes.

The editors of this collection have assembled a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies, drawing from a wide range of disciplines, including media studies, cultural studies, criminology, and political science. The chapters in the book are organized in a way that allows for a seamless flow of ideas and insights, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike.

One of the key themes that emerges from the collection is the ways in which capitalism and crime are intertwined in contemporary society. The editors argue that the increasing commodification of culture and the growing influence of corporate power have created a fertile ground for the emergence of new forms of crime and criminal behavior. They also suggest that the media plays a crucial role in perpetuating these trends by promoting a sensationalist and fear-mongering narrative that reinforces existing power structures and reinforces social divisions.

Another important theme that the collection explores is the role of power in shaping the media's coverage of crime and justice. The editors argue that the media is often dominated by powerful interests that seek to control the narrative and limit the scope of public debate. They suggest that this can lead to a distorted portrayal of crime and justice that serves to reinforce existing power imbalances and undermine democratic processes.

The collection also examines the ways in which different cultural texts are used to perpetuate or challenge dominant narratives about crime and justice. The editors argue that media texts, including films, television shows, music, and literature, can play a powerful role in shaping public opinion and promoting social change. However, they also note that these texts can be used to reinforce existing power structures and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

In conclusion, this edited collection from leading scholars in the fields of media, communications, cultural studies, and a number of aligned areas provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the intersection of capitalism, crime, and the media. The book offers a rich array of perspectives and methodologies that will be valuable to scholars and students alike. By exploring the ways in which these three forces interact, the collection sheds light on the complex and multifaceted relationship between these three domains and provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities that arise in the contemporary world.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 147 x 209 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030564469
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021