Moral Panics Flashcards

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What is a moral panic?

A sudden wave of public fear about a person, group, or issue seen as a threat, often bigger than the real risk.

Who coined the term moral panic in sociology?

Stanley Cohen in 1972 in his study 'Folk Devils and Moral Panics'.

In a moral panic, what are 'folk devils'?

People or groups blamed for the problem and treated as a danger to society.

How can the media help create a moral panic?

By making events seem worse than they are, using dramatic headlines, and repeating simple stereotypes.

What is deviancy amplification?

When strong media and police reactions make a problem seem bigger and can lead to more deviant acts.

What are the main steps in a moral panic?

An event happens, the media make it seem worse, public fear rises, moral entrepreneurs call for action, and authorities crack down.

Who are moral entrepreneurs?

People like politicians, editors, or campaigners who push for new rules and tougher control.

What example did Cohen use to show a moral panic?

Fights between Mods and Rockers at seaside towns in 1964; newspapers made the violence seem worse, so policing got tougher.

How can a moral panic affect law and policing?

It can bring tougher laws, more stop and search, and extra funding for control.

How does labelling theory link to moral panics?

Labels like 'yob' or 'gang' can lead to people being treated as troublemakers and watched more, which may increase deviance.

What is one criticism of the moral panic idea?

Some risks are real, and people do not always believe the media, so the fear is not always over the top.