Question

What does deviance amplification mean?

Answer 1

Process, often performed by the mass media, in which the extent and seriousness of deviant behaviour, such as football hooliganism, is exaggerated. The effect is to create a greater awareness and interest in deviance which results in more deviance being uncovered, giving the impression that the initial exaggeration was actually a true representation.

Answer 2

It means sensationalism in news media, i.e. exaggerating isolated deviancy cases like they are part of a much larger problem