iVillage

The Property Pack
.

 

 

Whether it’s through a sense of duty or trying to stay safe, Australians have a history of reporting wrongdoers.

We might like to pride ourselves on being a country of mateship and an almost larrikin approach to authority, but research by UNSW Law & Justice Associate Professor Catherine Bond shows Crime Stopper data skyrocketed amid the COVID-19 pandemic as we dobbed in our neighbours.

“What we see, looking at the Crime Stopper data, is that when the government creates a state of emergency, it really starts to be enthusiastically policed, including by regular people,” she said.

During periods of emergency, or crisis, Australians have shown a strong tendency to report fellow citizens for indiscretions, A/Prof. Bond said. In 2019, there were around 313,000 reports made to Crime Stoppers. In 2020, that number jumped to around 416,000. And then the figure spiked in 2021 to around 584,000.

Of those figures, in 2020, 181,000 were online reports and 235,000 were phone calls. In 2021, the number of online reports grew to 296,000 and phone call reports reached 288,000.

“This spike in the number of reports is really significant, and is just huge when you think about it,” A/Prof. Bond said.

A/Prof. Bond’s research draws parallels with one of Australia’s last major crises – the fear of Germany during WWI. “What we saw in WWI is in many ways the same cultural phenomenon. Australians were told, we are in a state of emergency, we are under threat. And emergency laws became quite restrictive. During COVID lockdowns, when working from home came into force, people also couldn’t help but notice what their neighbours were up to," she said.

“For example, there were all these new restrictions and people had a lot more time because they were working from home. They could see what their neighbours were doing much more than they usually would.” 

A/Prof. Bond said that while many Australians might turn their nose up at the idea of ‘snitching’, some dobbed people in out of a sense of duty.

“People could be taking part in this behaviour because, like our ancestors in WWI, we think we’re doing the right thing and are taking the moral high ground.” 

Associate Professor Melanie White, a sociologist in the School of Social Sciences, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture, said our appetite for dobbing is more a question of context and our sense of loyalty at the time. 

“When we perceive potential harm to our wellbeing or to the wellbeing of those close to us, the question of whether to report wrongdoing or not comes into play,” A/Prof. White said.

But the decision to report others isn't without repercussions. “Dobbing can certainly work to undermine social trust, and the social fallout for the dobber can be more consequential than any kind of institutional sanctions for the wrongdoer.

“But dobbing can be an important mechanism for social change by pushing values and norms in a new direction…if others see it as a positive contribution to the group’s health,” A/Prof. White said.

A/Prof. Bond said regardless of your view on whether dobbing is the right thing to do, the stats don’t lie.

“Despite this supposed code of honour around not snitching, the numbers simply tell a different story,” A/Prof. Bond said.

Photo: Lala Azizili/Unsplash

Understanding Ergonomics In The Modern Office Environment

Most people are under the impression that ergonomics is all about office furniture such as ergonomic office ...

Why A Property Inspection Before Selling Is A Good Idea

When it is time for you to sell your home, you’re probably willing to have a buyer's inspection happen, an...

Giving the People Power: Disentangling the Opportunity to Switch Electricity Providers in Brisbane

Finding the right electricity provider is essential for your budget and peace of mind because electricity is...

This is Why your Retail Business Needs a Transport Partner

As a small or medium-sized retail business in Australia, you’ve probably been relying on the postal servic...

The Basics of Spill Kits for Your Workplace Safety

Spill kits are essential to safety in workplaces where chemicals of all types are stored, handled, or transp...

Blocked Drains and Your Wellbeing: Expert's Guide on Causes, Risks, and Prevention

Introduction: In the intricate web of urban living, the issue of blocked drains in Melbourne represents a n...

The iVillage Magazine

Carpet Stain Remover Guide: Solutions for Every Spill

Introduction:  Carpets add beauty, warmth, and comfort to our homes, but they also get stains from various spills. Whether it's a clumsy coffee or...

Advice from Brisbane's most experienced removalists on organizing your office move.

When your business idea begins to get traction and grow in terms of operations and profitability, things take an interesting turn. This is an exciti...

TwoBirds Bridal House's Journey to Sydney: Uncovering Turkish Bridal Magic

The world of bridal fashion is a realm of dreams and magic, where every stitch, every detail, and every choice are a testament to love and commitmen...

The Evolution of Swiss Watches - A Journey Through Time and Innovation

The story of Swiss watches is a fascinating tale of innovation, precision, and artistry. Revered globally for their excellence, Swiss watches have...

Unlocking Financial Freedom: The Many Benefits of Salary Sacrifice Schemes for Employees

In the quest for creating workplaces that prioritize employee wellbeing and satisfaction, salary sacrifice benefits have emerged as a shining beacon...

Top 10 Popular Newborn Baby Gifts in Australia: Perfect Presents for the little Aussies

Welcoming a newborn baby into the world is an occasion filled with joy and excitement. Choosing the perfect gift for the little Aussies is a delight...