Abstract
The media plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions of prisons, prisoners, and the criminal justice system, which are often negative and influenced by various factors, emphasising the importance of critically assessing these portrayals for a more nuanced understanding. This narrative review summarises and analyses existing literature on diverse depictions of prison life across different media. A comprehensive literature search resulted in 33 studies covering the years 1993–2023. Using content analysis, four themes exploring prison portrayals and public perceptions were identified: 1) discrepancies between media and reality of prison experiences; 2) specificities of public perceptions, including media representations; 3) media influence on public attitudes and beliefs regarding incarceration, rehabilitation, and punitive measures within the criminal justice system; and 4) impact on criminal justice policies and policy reforms. In conclusion, media representations of prisons, prisoners, and the criminal justice system significantly impact public attitudes by often sensationalising and perpetuating negative stereotypes, which, in turn, influences legal processes and policymakers’ decisions, underscoring the need for more balanced depictions to foster informed discussions and challenge biases.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Zbornik instituta za kriminološka i sociološka istraživanja
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.