MASCULINITY, MEDIA and MURDER:
Male perceptions of masculinity, and the role of the media in shaping men’s views of masculinity and male involvement in crime and violence.
Abstract
Crime and violence, coupled with the fact that men are the main perpetrators of such acts, have emerged as the most important national issues, as they both have negative impacts on the economic and social development of Jamaica. Using questionnaires, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and content analysis, this study sought the views of young males, in two different types of male institutions, to determine their perceptions of masculinity, the role of the media in shaping their views on masculinity and male involvement in crime and violence. The findings indicated that the media does play an important role in socializing males and in the formation of their identity, while adversely impacting male predisposition to violence and criminality.
Keywords: Masculinity; Radio; and Violence & Criminality
Devon Hunter 