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Abstract

This dissertation initially focuses upon explanations for the increase of knife crime in the United Kingdom. It also investigates what the general public’s opinions are over a musical genre called ‘Drill’ and its association with the increase in knife crime. ‘Drill’ is a recently emerged subgenre of Grime music and American Hip Hop. The identity and actions of Drill artists have been perceived negatively amongst media outlets in the UK. Subsequently, the increase of knife crime has been blamed on the rising popularity of ‘Drill’ as it encourages youths to associate with gangs. There has been no existing research literature that has specifically focused upon ‘Drill’ music and found any evidence to link it to knife crime. To combat this gap in knowledge, this dissertation sets out to gather the beliefs of youths aged between 14-25 about knife crime and ‘Drill’ music. This dissertation found the following overall conclusions:

- There is no substantial evidence that confirms ‘Drill’ music is linked to knife crime. But gang culture is highly associated with knife crime and other volumes of violence.

- The causes of knife crime are varied and complex. However, the different causational factors are primarily due to an individual’s disadvantaged status in society.

- There is a future research requirement for all musical genres to be critically evaluated to determine their effects on individuals and society.

These concluding arguments were gathered from critically examining the existing literature of knife crime, gang culture and ‘Drill’ music. This analysis was intertwined with primary research carried out to seek the opinions of youths. The methodology used for this was an anonymous online survey that was constructed by the University of Portsmouth’s own JISC (Online survey tool).

Course: Crime and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C2113P

Date Deposited: 2022-09-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14028.html