Depictions of the Sex Offender and Public Responses

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the context in which legislation and vigilante responses to sex offenders emerge. This paper will explore the relationships between disgust and anger, and responses to sex offenders. A snowball sampling method was used to analyze both YouTube videos of the Canadian vigilante group Creep Catchers, and their comment sections. The sample

includes five YouTube videos (n=5). The findings in this paper indicate that disgust reactions to sex offenders tend to drive legislation such as memorial and registration laws, whereas anger reactions to sex offenders tend to drive vigilante responses. This paper will argue that harsh legislation and vigilante responses are an ineffective and harmful response to those who have offended as they hinder reintegration and therefore increase recidivism.

Faculty Mentor: Amanda Nelund

Department: Sociology