AWAKENING HATE, PERPETUATING OPPRESIONS: The influence of mass media in criminal politics about gender based violences

Abstract

Among the issues frequently addressed by the media, criminality and, specifically, gender violence stand out. The media select and decide how each news item is broadcasted, thus influencing popular opinion. This can lead to fears, concerns and different demands such as changes in criminal policy. This study conducts a literature review on how the approach of news items and the controversy regarding violence against women can lead to a symbolic and punitivism-based criminal policy. It also offers a novel approach to how the latter can shape a society that distrusts the system and where oppression against women is perpetuated. The
construction of a complex theoretical framework will allow criminologists to carry out more elaborate empirical studies on the impact that the media have on criminal policy related to gender-based violence. In addition, it will enable the proposal of preventive measures involving the media, since these are key to enact change.