NCJ Number
76706
Journal
Gallup Opinion Index Dated: (April 1977) Pages: 13-21
Date Published
1977
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This Gallup Opinion Poll questioned the belief of Americans regarding a possible connection between television violence and crime and other antisocial behaviors.
Abstract
Although no conclusive evidence links television violence with crime and other antisocial behavior, 70 percent of Americans responding to the Poll, including both parents and childless people, believe that such a relationship exists. At the same time, 71 percent support the idea of restricting violent shows to after 10 p.m. However, the majority of those responding would not favor an absolute prohibition of television violence, while 35 percent would favor such a step. Moreover, consumer boycotts seem unlikely to succeed in bringing pressure against television violence; only 35 percent of those surveyed favor boycotts. Demographic examination of the respondents shows that women are more likely than men to see a connection between television and street crime, and the college educated people over age 50, and residents of the northeast are more likely to agree. These same groups gave the most support to moving televised violence to after 10 p.m. Even among those who deny a connection between television violence and crime, half would like to limit violent shows to late night. Surprisingly, only 49 percent of parents restrict the programs their children watch, even though two-thirds are convinced of a television-crime link. Such restrictions are mostly an upper-class, white practice. The questionnaires and a demographic breakdown of respondents are appended.