According to Courtwright, criminal rates were exceedingly high in the nineteenth century before TV, movies, and rap videos had been created. What, if anything, does this say about the effect of media on crime?

Question

What were some of the other factors that provoked violence? Do you think that these factors still cause violence today?

Answer 1

The data do not prove a causal connection between any type of media and crime rates. Many other factors are involved.

Crime is more prevalent when there is poverty, a highly unqual distribution of income, and inadequate law enforcement.