The SOCIAL IMPACT of Jack the Ripper and his influence on policing, social, and housing policies in London. (And the gutter press.)
1888 was a significant year; between August and November, there were 5 brutal murders in Whitechapel. There was public outrage and fear. The legend of one of London’s first serial killers, ‘Jack the Ripper’, was born.
Despite the shocking horrors of the killings, it ironically had a profound impact on London’s society, policing, and housing policies.
The killings of at least five women in Whitechapel, an impoverished area of East London, exposed the city’s deep social inequalities and weaknesses in law enforcement. And led to significant changes in crime investigation, public safety, and social reform.
The case to this day remains unsolved, despite many conspiracy theories.
It also signifies the growth of the gutter press, led by the top-selling newspaper of the day, The Pall Mall Gazette, which, after various transformations, became the Evening Standard.
BETTER POLICING METHODOLOGIES
The murders happened a year after the very first Sherlock Holmes story was published by Arthur Conan Doyle, but by contrast, Scotland yard was anything but great at detection.
Queen Victoria had been very critical of the police, describing them as ‘incompetent’ in a letter to the Home Secretary. With public and press criticism also very loud, this led to the police developing new techniques.
Criminal profiling began to develop as detectives attempted to understand the psychology of violent criminals. Crime scene preservation became more systematic, with better record-keeping and photographic documentation. And the creation of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), focusing on investigative techniques rather than just street patrols.
The press played a significant role in shaping public perception of the police’s failure to capture the killer. As a result, greater scrutiny of police actions led to demands for more professional and effective policing. Plus, the use of public appeals and media cooperation became more common in solving crimes.
IMPACT ON SOCIAL POLICIES AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
The public outcry led to an increased focus on poverty and social reform as the murders highlighted the dire conditions of East London’s poor, particularly women who were forced into dangerous situations due to economic hardship.
History records the victims were ‘prostitutes’ (a term that had a broader meaning than today) but that was completely untrue. Most were women from respectable backgrounds who had fallen on hard times. However, this negative branding was actually created by the police to make the public less sympathetic.
In response, charitable organisations and social reformers pushed for better support for vulnerable populations, including shelters and workhouses for homeless women. The government became more aware of the need for welfare initiatives to address extreme poverty.
It created a change in attitudes towards women and prostitution, resulting in greater public sympathy for impoverished women, and a shifting narrative toward providing help rather than just punishment.
Discussions on women’s safety and rights in cities, leading to longer-term efforts to provide safer working and living conditions.
IMPACT ON HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Whitechapel was a slum, and sadly the final destination of many a destitute person, being near the docks, many went there seeking work. Much of the housing was cheap but unfit for human occupation, so many spent time outdoors.
The case brought national attention to these conditions, prompting a policy of ‘slum clearance’. The Housing of the Working Classes Act (1890), encouraged the demolition of dangerous slums and the building of better housing.
There was a push for better sanitation, street lighting, and policingin poor areas to prevent crime.
THE POWER OF THE PRESS
This was a period of transition from small runs to mass production, using new printing presses. As a consequence, to fund the newspapers, they needed to sell a lot of copies. This led to the culture of investigative reporting and sensationalism. Papers were in tough competition, and the ethos of “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story” was born.
The legendary letter sent by ‘Jack the Ripper’ to the Pall Mall Gazette was in fact a fake letter written by a journalist to stimulate the story and give them exclusivity.
“It was generally believed at Scotland Yard that journalist Tom Bullen, of the Central News, was the originator. But it is probable his chief, Moore who was the inventor. It was a smart piece of journalistic work.”
The extensive newspaper coverage of the murders forced middle and upper-class Londoners to acknowledge the severe poverty in the East End. This exposure created momentum for urban renewal projects and increased funding for public health initiatives.
CONCLUSION
Ironically, the 5 murders had a beneficial social impact and probably saved a hundred times more lives. Only now you can say that Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly didn’t die in vain, as their deaths became a catalyst of social change.
It exposed the failures of Victorian London’s policing, social systems, and urban planning. The case directly influenced improvements in crime investigation, police accountability, and the treatment of the poor.
While the murders remain unsolved, their impact on London’s policies and society is long-lasting, shaping the city’s approach to crime, welfare, and urban development to this day.
Who would have thought that something so terrible could have a long-term positive social impact.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Today we live in a world where brands need to consider their social impact as well. Thankfully, you don’t have to do something bad to make a positive difference to people, communities and society. Yet few actually do make any difference.
There is a massive opportunity for brands to embrace social impact (the S in their ESG), align with the SDGs and deliver more than just marketing rhetoric.
But it’s not about ticking boxes, as so many do, but developing a cohesive strategy. Those that do tend to see improved profits, increased brand equity, greater acquisition and greater loyalty (both customers and staff). A win, win, win.
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Chris Arnold is a Dr of Business, former director of Saatchi & Saatchi, a specialist in social impact strategy, and co founder of My Social Impact.
Marcus Warry ACA My Social Impact #socialimpact #esg #scsr #sdg
