LAWS1110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Sydney Gang Rapes, Moral Panic, Populism
Document Summary
Populism (promotes interests of the common people" as opposed to the elites in society) and politics. Conservative party 1979 - biggest threat to freedom and security is growing disrespect for the law. Not just in the 80s - recently crime has come back on the political agenda. While crime continues to fall (uk) which drive public opinion, some violent crimes seem to be on the rise = law and order back on the political agenda \ Fear as a political tool in vic (african gang threat) - reality is crime is lowest its ever been and most people in jail they have. Tony abbott calls to question african migration into australia - political attack against malcolm to become pm (advance himself). Sensationalised african gang coverage = rise in racial incidents in communities as a result. Assumes public opinion is a uni-dimensional (uniform) thing. Claims to speak on behalf of the public - some hide opinions so untrue.
