Study Reveals Perceived Criminal Stereotypes Based on UK Accents
A recent study has identified that certain UK regional accents can lead individuals to be stereotyped as more likely to have committed a crime. The research, conducted by Cambridge University, found that accents from cities like Liverpool and Bradford were associated with behaviours such as dangerous driving, physical assault, shoplifting, and sexual assault.
In the study, 180 participants were asked to listen to recordings of 10 male voices with different accents, including Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, and standard southern British English (RP). They were then prompted to rate statements regarding behaviours like criminal activities and misconduct associated with each accent.
The findings indicated that accents typically perceived as working-class, such as Liverpool and Bradford, were more likely to be associated with criminal behaviours. Interestingly, the accent known as Received Pronunciation (RP) was considered the highest status accent and least likely to commit crimes overall, except for sexual offences. Lead author Alice Paver highlighted that this perception may reflect changing societal views on individuals who commit sexual offences.
The study also revealed that non-English accents, particularly those from Belfast and Glasgow, were rated as less likely to engage in criminal behaviours compared to other accents. Additionally, London and Liverpool accents were perceived as more prone to committing sexual offences, closely followed by RP. The RP accent was even believed to be more likely to commit a sexual assault than any other offence tested.
Researchers stressed the impact of accents on the criminal justice system, noting the influence of stereotypes on how voices are perceived by police officers, lawyers, and juries. They raised concerns about the potential disadvantages individuals with certain accents may face within the legal system. The study aims to improve the interaction of the criminal justice system with earwitness evidence.
While previous studies have often focused on accent labels, this research sought to gauge reactions to actual voice samples. This approach revealed differences in how people responded to accents like Birmingham and Newcastle, indicating that language attitudes can evolve over time. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Communication, forms part of a broader project to enhance the use of earwitness evidence in legal proceedings.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the impact of accents on perceived criminal stereotypes and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of how voices are interpreted in the criminal justice system. By challenging traditional stereotypes associated with accents, the research prompts a reevaluation of how individuals are judged based on their speech patterns. This critical examination serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and unbiased treatment for all individuals, regardless of their accent.