Crime as entertainment : the representation of crime in the mass media and its appeal to audiences

Abstract

The crime related entertainment genre spearheaded by both crime fiction and crime reality storytelling is a phenomenon and to explain it, one has to analyse whether there are any effects in itself (Glucksmann, 1971). This genre is virtually present everywhere and the number of its followers is forever growing, sparking hype and concern at the same time. All of these points inspired this study. More specifically, the study focused on the psychological factors related for attraction and fascination for the genre. Data was collected through face-to-face, semi-structure interviews with ten key informants – all fans of the genre and volunteering participants. This methodological approach was used to gather as much personal experience and opinion in detail as possible. Findings, analysed through thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) revealed that work on thematic analysis in psychology, where the process of identifying themes and patterns within collected qualitative data is explained as an advantageous process of diverse and flexible learning. Reflections on avenues for further research are provided in the dissertation’s concluding chapter.