NCJ Number
86041
Journal
Sociological Inquiry Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981) Pages: 71-77
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Durkheim's social control theory has been transferred almost intact to the content of mass media entertainment, particularly television programming.
Abstract
Available data on network television programming show that social-control-related themes account for a stable portion of entertainment programming. Programming genres such as the detective, police, or western drama typically concern the theme of crime and punishment. Studies show that the theme of crime, corruption, or illegality appeared as a major story element in more than one-third of programs monitored from 1967 to 1975. Due process of law represented only a peripheral concern in the fictional depiction of social control activities, while violent acts by criminals and law enforcement personnel claimed most of the allotted programming time. Evil is always punished in the end, so that a symbolic solution is provided to restore the balance of power to the social order. Thus, television programming content represents the affirmation of social solidarity and aversion toward crime that Durkheim saw behind punishment. A total of 27 references are included.