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‘It’s an epidemic out there’: Constructing the online solicitation of children as a social problem
Adam Cotter -- Thesis -- 2012
Thesis submitted to the
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology
Department of Criminology
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
University of Ottawa
Abstract
Social problems emerge when a behaviour, individual, or group is collectively defined as
problematic. Online child solicitation is explored as a behaviour that has been defined as a social
problem. This paper analyzes and explores the claims and claimsmaking process of one
advocacy group, Perverted Justice. Their use of rhetorical strategies designed to persuade are of
particular importance. In addition, the definitions, examples, and estimates they use to construct
the problem are explored. Perverted Justice constructs the Internet as an inherently dangerous
space, asserts that all children are at risk, and that online solicitation is a significant social
problem. Furthermore, law enforcement, parents, and advocacy groups cannot protect children.
Criticisms are rendered illegitimate through the use of rhetorical strategies. The way in which
Perverted Justice constructs online child solicitation and their role in solving this issue
incorporates elements of neo-liberalism, neo-conservatism, and vigilantism, reflecting the wider
regulatory framework.
Table of contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................iii
Table of contents.............................................................................................................................iv
List of tables....................................................................................................................................vi
Chapter 1
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2
Exploring rhetoric, the construction of social problems, and regulatory frameworks...........9
Elements of rhetoric.............................................................................................................9
Constructing social problems.............................................................................................12
Claims: Grounds, warrants, and conclusions.....................................................................13
Real/virtual nature of the Internet......................................................................................21
Moral panic........................................................................................................................22
Fear....................................................................................................................................25
The decivilizing process....................................................................................................28
Unofficial responses: Vigilantism and paedophile panics.................................................30
Official responses: Neo-conservative and neo-liberal implications..................................32
Summary............................................................................................................................35
Chapter 3
Theoretical and methodological framework and research design..........................................36
Ethical considerations........................................................................................................36
Social constructivist approach to research.........................................................................37
Social problems theory......................................................................................................39
Criticisms and limitations of constructivism.....................................................................43
Strict and contextual constructivism..................................................................................45
Claims, claimsmaking, and claimsmakers.........................................................................46
Qualitative research design................................................................................................50
Evaluation criteria..............................................................................................................51
Case study research............................................................................................................53
Grounded theory................................................................................................................55
Rhetorical analysis.............................................................................................................56
Research design.................................................................................................................59
Sampling............................................................................................................................60
Summary............................................................................................................................62
Chapter 4
Analysis and discussion...............................................................................................................64
Coding................................................................................................................................64
Claims................................................................................................................................65
Claim 1: The Internet is inherently dangerous......................................................66
Claim 2: Adult male predator’s use of the Internet...............................................72
Claim 3: Online solicitation is a serious social issue............................................80
Claim 4: Existing organizations cannot protect children......................................84
Claim 5: Perverted-Justice can protect children...................................................90
Claim 6: Criticisms of Perverted-Justice are illegitimate.....................................99
Rhetorical strategies.........................................................................................................105
Rhetorical use of warrants...................................................................................105
The problem-as-war metaphor............................................................................109
Establishing character through witnesses...........................................................111
Good examples of bad examples: Establishing character...................................112
Controlled transparency: Engaging with criticisms............................................113
Summary..........................................................................................................................116
Chapter 4
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................118
References....................................................................................................................................123
List of Tables
Table 1: Incidents of child luring via the Internet, Canada, 2009 and 2010....................................4
Table 2: Victims of child luring via the Internet, by sex, Canada, 2009 and 2010.........................5
Table 3: PJ’s Opinion pieces and word counts..............................................................................63
Table 4: Second-step coding categories.........................................................................................65
It is often the students who will do the good research and then speak the truth, as they have little yet to lose from doing so. But, of course, later in their careers, their risk-taking may diminish... :-/
What do YOU think of the rhetoric examined in this thesis?
Do you think that Perverted Justice has done a service to society, or a disservice? And why?
M.
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