A single metaphor (“virus” vs “beast”) shifts which crime policies people favor

Evidence

Thibodeau and Boroditsky (2011) illustrate how even a single word can markedly affect the type of social policies people favor to ameliorate societal problems. When a soaring crime wave was metaphorically likened to a spreading “virus,” individuals favored social policies that address root causes and promote preventive measures. In contrast, when the same crime wave was metaphorically likened to a “beast” preying on the public, individuals favored tougher laws for catching and jailing offenders. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 385

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Lakoff and Johnson’s conceptual metaphor theory and framing effects in policy communication. — connects to: Emergency looting conflates burglary with survival foraging — John Drury, The role of social identity processes…, 111
• QUESTION: Worth chasing the original Thibodeau and Boroditsky study for effect sizes and replication status.