Discussion and Framing of Crime in State of the Union Speeches

• In Event: Roundtable: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Policy

Abstract

The discussion of crime framing largely focuses on the framing that occurred at the beginning of the tough on crime era to current day. Although a myriad of sources can be analyzed, from the media, citizens, politicians, and laws to understand the discussion surrounding crime in the United States, there is no comprehensive study that looks at the framing of crime longitudinally. This research consists of a qualitative content analysis, focused on the discussion of crime in State of the Union speeches. Emergent themes lead to rich descriptive data that in turn leads to a fuller understanding of how crime was and is discussed and framed within the United States. This research lends greater accuracy and context to any work related to the framing of crime and adds to the criminological knowledge of how crime is discussed, particularly by those in power.

Key Words: crime, framing, United States, State of the Union, president, qualitative content analysis.

Author

• Danielle Carlson, North Carolina State University