culture, subculture, crime and delinquency Flashcards
1
Q
what is the definition of culture?
A
culture is defined as the entire way of life, activities, beliefs, and customs of a people, group, or society
2
Q
why is it important to define culture before examining subcultures?
A
defining culture is essential to understand the broader context in which subcultures exist and how they relate to the dominant culture
3
Q
what does Raymond Williams suggest about culture?
A
Williams suggests that there are different cultures, and within a large group, there may be a mass culture that is shared among its members
4
Q
what is the second definition of culture according to Hall and Neitz?
A
- ideas and knowledge (correct, wrong, or unverifiable beliefs) and methods for doing things
- humanly fabricated tools (like shovels, sewing machines, cameras, and computers)
- the products of social action that can be used in further social life
5
Q
what are the three components of culture in the sociological definition?
A
- Ideas and knowledge
- Humanly fabricated tools
- Products of social action
6
Q
what are subcultures?
A
subcultures are formed and influenced by a variety of factors, creating a distinct group within a national culture
7
Q
how does Gordon define subcultures?
A
Gordon defines subcultures as a subdivision of a national culture, composed of various social situations such as class, status, ethnic background, regional and urban or rural residence, and religious affiliation, which together create a functional unity with an integrated impact on individuals
8
Q
what factors influence the formation of subcultures?
A
class, status, ethnic background, regional and urban or rural residence, and religious affiliation
9
Q
what does the concept of functional unity refer to in subcultures?
A
functional unity in subcultures signifies the coming together of various influences like class, status, ethnicity, and residence to shape the behaviours of individuals within that subculture
10
Q
how does the functional unity of a subculture impact participating individuals?
A
the functional unity of a subculture influences how individuals behave, guiding their actions and interactions based on shared norms and identity within the subculture
11
Q
what role does the combination of factors in a subculture play in shaping individual experiences?
A
the combination of factors in a subculture not only defines the subculture itself but also significantly influences the thoughts, behaviours, and experiences of individuals who belong to it
12
Q
what did David Downes examine regarding youth gangs?
A
Downes examined the role subcultures play in the formation of gangs and why these gangs engage in delinquent behaviours
13
Q
how does Downes argue subcultures form?
A
Downes argued that subcultures form in two different ways:
1. they develop outside of mainstream culture
2. they originate from within mainstream culture
14
Q
what is the significance of understanding how subcultures form in relation to gangs?
A
understanding how subcultures form helps explain the motivations behind gang behaviour and the social dynamics that contribute to juvenile delinquency
15
Q
what is the first type of subculture that originates from within mainstream culture?
A
the first type is a positive subculture that emerges within occupational groups, responding positively to mainstream values and norms. These subcultures are considered part of mainstream culture
16
Q
what characterises the second type of subculture that originates from within mainstream culture?
A
negative subculture that forms in direct opposition to mainstream culture. This includes juvenile delinquent subcultures, whose values are the antithesis of mainstream cultural values and challenge them in various ways
17
Q
how do positive and negative subcultures differ in relation to mainstream culture?
A
positive subcultures align with and support mainstream values, while negative subcultures reject and oppose those values, often leading to delinquent behaviours
18
Q
what are negative subcultures associated with?
A
negative subcultures are associated with resistance and youth
19
Q
how do negative subcultures distinguish themselves from mainstream culture?
A
they are fairly easy to identify because, in rebelling, they actively seek to distinguish themselves from the main culture
20
Q
who highlights the identifiability of subcultures?
A
Cohen emphasises how subcultures are usually very identifiable, which we will explore in greater detail later
21
Q
how can a subcultural group be identified?
A
a subcultural group can be identified by their appearance, including their clothing, posture, gait, likes and dislikes, conversation topics, and expressed opinions
22
Q
what does Albert Cohen state about actor behaviour in relation to subcultures?
A
cohen explains that an actor learns that the behaviour signifying membership in a particular role includes various aspects like the kind of clothes worn and personal expressions
23
Q
why was style important to early thinkers on subcultures?
A
Style was crucial because these writers focused on elements like image, demeanour, and argot as key identifiers of subcultures
24
Q
what were these early writers interested in regarding subcultures?
A
they were interested in what gives rise to the particular image, demeanour, and argot displayed by subcultures, aiming to understand how these elements help subcultures stand out
25
how is style viewed in the context of subcultures?
style is always symbolic in the context of subcultures, serving as a means of expression and distinction from mainstream culture
26
what does "image" refer to in the context of subcultures?
"Image" refers to how individuals in a subculture dress, style their hair, and choose their accessories
27
what is meant by "demeanour" in subcultures?
"Demeanour" encompasses the expressions, posture, and type of gait that members of a subculture exhibit
28
what does "argot" signify in subcultures?
"Argot" signifies the unique way in which members of a subculture speak, including their accent, vocabulary, and use of slang
29
are the elements of image, demeanour, and argot random?
no, none of these elements are random; they are specifically chosen to symbolise resistance against mainstream culture
30
what is a key characteristic of subcultures?
subcultures are generally deviant, meaning they deviate from the norms of the main culture
31
are most subcultures delinquent?
very few subcultures are actually delinquent, despite being considered deviant
32
who were the first youth subcultures mentioned in the evolution of subcultures?
the Teddy Boys were the first, followed by Mods and Rockers, Hippies, Punks, Skinheads, and others
33
what time period did the British Teddy Boys dominate?
The British Teddy Boys were most dominant from 1953 through to 1955
34
what are notable characteristics of the Teddy Boys?
they had a very distinctive style and a very distinctive gait
35
how were Teddy Boys described in the 1954 Newsweek article?
they were described as "the nattiest young men in Britain," slouching through the dank mews of Shoreditch and over littered bomb sites
36
what historical reference is made about the Teddy Boys in the quote?
they are referred to as "Edwardians," indicating their style was reminiscent of the Edwardian era
37
what term is used to describe Teddy Boys in the context of their environment?
they are referred to as "the dead end kids of London," highlighting their social situation and urban environment
38
what was the process of becoming a Teddy Boy?
it involved a two-stage process where young people adopted a particular sartorial aesthetic, and society recognised them as Teds
39
who were the original Edwardians that championed the Edwardian look in the post-war period?
they were young, recently demobilized, fashion-conscious former officers of guards regiments
40
what was the broader social context for the emergence of the Teddy Boys?
there was a comprehensive attempt to restore some kind of high society among the traditional elites in post-war London
41
how does Jefferson describe the Teddy Boys' style?
A: Jefferson describes the Ted style as a reflection of their "all-dressed-up-and-nowhere-to-go" experience of Saturday evening
42
what allowed Teddy Boys to adopt an upper-class image?
the relative affluence of the Teddy Boys enabled them to "buy into" an upper-class image
43
what does the Teddy Boys' style signify about their social experience?
their style signifies a sense of frustration and unfulfilled aspirations, as they dressed elegantly but often had limited opportunities for social engagement
44
how did the Teddy Boys emerge?
the Teddy Boys emerged as a subculture influenced by the socio-economic conditions of the time
45
what socio-economic period contributed to the rise of the Teddy Boys?
the post-war period of prosperity, characterised by an economic boom, played a crucial role in their emergence
46
how did the economic boom affect young people during this time?
the economic boom provided young people with increased disposable income, allowing them to express themselves through fashion and style
47
what music genre did the Teddy Boys identify with?
The Teddy Boys identified with early 50s rock 'n' roll music
48
which track introduced rock 'n' roll to youth around the world in 1956?
the track "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets introduced rock 'n' roll to youth worldwide
49
what impact did "Rock Around the Clock" have on cinema?
the song's popularity led to a significant increase in cinema receipts, prompting producers to rush out a genre of movies featuring rock 'n' roll stars
50
who were some of the Teddy Boys' heroes?
the Teddy Boys admired rising US film stars like James Dean, known for portraying various criminals
51
what kind of disturbances did Teddy Boys often cause in cinemas?
the Teddy Boys often caused miniature riots, slashing cinema seats and creating chaos
52
where was the home ground of the South London Teddy Boys?
the Elephant and Castle was known as the home ground of the South London Teddy Boys
53
how did newspapers report the riots at the Elephant and Castle?
newspapers excitedly reported that the riots led to two thousand young people taking to the streets in an orgy of vandalism
54
what were the actual outcomes of these riots by later standards?
by later standards, the riots seemed mild, with nine arrests, two policemen injured, and some minor property damage, including cups and saucers being thrown
55
what kind of societal reaction did the Teddy Boys provoke?
thee Teddy Boys caused a huge societal reaction, being labelled as a social evil contaminated by US values
56
how were the Teddy Boys viewed by the press and parents?
they were almost universally vilified by the press and parents as a symptom of Britain’s impending decline
57
what negative effects were attributed to rock 'n' roll music during this time?
rock 'n' roll was said to provoke lawlessness, impair nervous stability, and destroy the sanctity of marriage
58
how did the perception of musical styles change in relation to the Teddy Boys?
the musical styles associated with the Teddy Boys became demonised as the group itself was demonised
59
what marked the emergence of the Mods and Rockers?
the emergence of the Mods and Rockers marked a new decade and a new subculture
60
what was the social origin of the Mods compared to the Rockers?
mods were more likely to be middle-class, usually lower middle-class, whereas Rockers were predominantly working-class
61
how did the societal backgrounds of Mods and Rockers differ?
the societal backgrounds differed significantly, with Mods often having more middle-class roots and Rockers coming from working-class backgrounds
62
what defined the Mods as a group?
mods were defined by their clothes, taste in music, and method of transport
63
what was the typical fashion style of the Mods?
mods sported suits, parka coats, narrow ties, and Levi jeans, along with various hairstyles ranging from short to medium length
64
where was the cultural centre for Mods?
Carnaby Street was considered the Mecca for Mods
65
what type of scooters did Mods ride?
mods typically rode scooters, specifically Lambrettas or Vespas
66
what music did Mods prefer?
mods listened to music from Tamla Motown artists and British groups like The Who and The Kinks
67
how did Mods sustain their long nights in nightclubs?
mods often took Drynamil pep-up pills, known as 'Purple Hearts', which were originally prescribed for anxiety
68
what was the primary mode of transport for Rockers?
rockers rode motorbikes
69
what type of clothing did Rockers typically wear?
rockers wore leather clothes, which were always dark coloured
70
how did Rockers style their hair?
rockers had longer hair, often styled in a 'quiff' and usually greased
71
what music genre were Rockers devoted to?
rockers were devoted to Rock 'n' Roll music
72
where was the central hangout for Rockers?
the 'Ace Café' off the North Circular Road in London was their central hangout
73
how did the Rockers subculture originate?
rockers developed from the 'Leatherboys' and 'Tonup Kids' of the late 1950s, while Mods emerged in the 1960s
74
what was the gender composition of both Mods and Rockers?
both groups were predominantly male
75
what does the term "Mod" imply about the subculture?
"Mod" suggests characteristics like being effeminate, stuck-up, and emulating the middle classes, along with being competitive and snobbish
76
how is the term "Rocker" described in relation to the subculture?
"Rocker" is described as meaning hopelessly naive, loutish, and scruffy
77
what do these definitions reveal about societal views on these subcultures?
these definitions illustrate how subcultural groups can be reduced to simplistic and often negative stereotypes
78
who provided these descriptions of Mods and Rockers?
the descriptions were provided by Nuttall in 1969
79
when and where did a major clash between Mods and Rockers occur?
a major clash occurred on Easter bank holiday in 1964 in Clacton-on-Sea
80
how did the media portray the events in Clacton?
the media reported it as a major riot involving thousands of young people from both gangs
81
what happened later in the year during the Whitsun bank holiday weekend?
mods and Rockers descended on the beaches of Brighton and Margate, leading to reports of riotous and criminal behaviour
82
what was the outcome of the clashes reported by the media?
there were numerous arrests as a result of the clashes between the two groups
83
who was Stan Cohen during the time of the Mods and Rockers clash?
Stan Cohen was a young PhD student who attended the Brighton gathering out of curiosity
84
what was Stan Cohen's impression of the behaviour at the Brighton gathering?
he found that, despite the large size of the gathering, the behaviour was actually rather tame compared to what the media reported
85
how does Cohen's observation contrast with media portrayals?
Cohen's observation suggests that the reality of the events was much less chaotic and violent than the sensationalised reports by the media
86
how did the media label the Mods and Rockers?
the media labelled both groups as ‘vermin’ and ‘louts’
87
what did Stan Cohen study regarding the Mods and Rockers?
Stan Cohen examined the media response to the actions of the Mods and Rockers
88
what was Cohen's conclusion about the media's portrayal?
he found that the media had greatly exaggerated the actions of the Mods and Rockers, especially concerning the supposed ‘Battle of Brighton’
89
what is the significance of the term "folk devils" in this context?
"Folk devils" refers to groups that are portrayed as a threat to societal norms, often leading to moral panics fuelled by exaggerated media coverage
90
what is a moral panic?
a moral panic is when a condition, episode, person, or group is defined as a threat to societal values and interests
91
how is the nature of the threat presented?
the nature of the threat is presented in a stylised and stereotypical fashion by the mass media
92
who man the moral barricades during a moral panic?
editors, bishops, politicians, and other right-thinking people man the moral barricades
93
what role do socially accredited experts play in a moral panic?
socially accredited experts pronounce their diagnoses and solutions regarding the perceived threat
94
what happens to the condition after a moral panic?
the condition may disappear, submerge, or deteriorate and become less visible over time
95
what is a key characteristic of moral panic regarding official reactions?
the official reaction is out of all proportion to the actual threat offered
96
who perceives the threat during a moral panic?
experts such as police chiefs, the judiciary, politicians, and editors perceive the threat in similar terms
97
what does it mean when experts talk "with one voice"?
it means they share identical views on rates, diagnoses, prognoses, and solutions regarding the perceived threat
98
how do media representations contribute to moral panic?
media representations stress 'sudden and dramatic' increases in numbers or events and highlight 'novelty' beyond realistic appraisals
99
what indicates the beginnings of a moral panic according to Hall et al.?
the combination of exaggerated official reactions, unified expert perceptions, and sensational media representations
100
what is a folk devil in the context of moral panic?
a folk devil is a person or group that is portrayed as a threat to societal values and is often the focus of moral panic
101
how can the subject of a moral panic be characterised?
it can be something novel or something that has existed for a while but suddenly gains attention
102
what happens to a moral panic after it passes?
it may be forgotten except in folklore and collective memory.
103
what are potential long-lasting effects of a moral panic?
it can lead to changes in legal and social policy or alter the way society perceives itself
104
who discussed the concepts of folk devils and moral panics?
Cohen, in 1972, explored these ideas in his work
105
what is the first stage of a moral panic according to Goode and Ben-Yehuda?
concern, which involves a heightened level of concern over the behaviour of a specific group and its perceived consequences for society
106
what does the "concern" stage indicate in the context of moral panic?
it indicates that society is worried about the actions or behaviours of a certain group and believes these actions could negatively impact the wider community
107
what is the second stage of a moral panic according to Goode and Ben-Yehuda?
hostility, which involves an increased level of hostility toward the group perceived as engaging in threatening behaviour
108
how are deviants viewed during the hostility stage of moral panic?
they are seen as responsible for the threat to society, leading to a clear division between "them" (the deviants) and "us" (the rest of society)
109
what social dynamics occur during the hostility stage?
stereotyping takes place, creating "folk devils" or villains in contrast to folk heroes, framing a morality play of good versus evil
110
what is the third stage of a moral panic according to Goode and Ben-Yehuda?
consensus, which involves a minimal level of agreement within society that the perceived threat is real, serious, and caused by the wrongdoing of a specific group
111
how widespread does the consensus need to be during a moral panic?
the sentiment must be fairly widespread, but it does not need to represent a majority of the population
112
what is the significance of consensus in the context of moral panic?
it indicates that a significant portion of society acknowledges the threat and attributes it to the behaviour of the identified group, reinforcing the panic
113
what does the term "disproportionality" refer to in the context of moral panic?
it refers to the assumption that the concern surrounding a threat is out of proportion to its actual nature, often exaggerating the threat beyond what empirical evidence would support
114
how is the concept of disproportionality illustrated in moral panics?
the phrase "objective molehills have been made into subjective mountains" captures how minor issues can be perceived as major threats during a moral panic
115
what does "volatility" mean in the context of moral panics?
it describes how moral panics can erupt suddenly and intensely, often after lying dormant for a while, and can also subside just as quickly
116
why are moral panics considered volatile?
they can appear unexpectedly and may re-emerge over time, reflecting the shifting sentiments of society regarding the perceived threat
117
what does "drive and ambition" refer to in Cohen's Middle Class Measuring Rod?
it refers to the motivation and determination to achieve goals, often emphasising hard work and perseverance
118
how does "individual responsibility" play a role in Cohen's framework?
it stresses the importance of personal accountability for one's actions and decisions, highlighting the belief that individuals should take ownership of their outcomes
119
what is meant by "achievement and success" in this context?
this concept focuses on the value placed on attaining goals and recognition, often measured by educational and career accomplishments
120
explain "deferred gratification" as part of Cohen's Measuring Rod.
it refers to the ability to resist immediate rewards in favour of long-term goals, emphasising patience and planning for future success
121
what role does "rationality" play in Cohen's Middle Class Measuring Rod?
rationality involves making decisions based on reason and logic rather than emotion, promoting thoughtful and calculated actions
122
how is "courtesy and self-control" defined in this framework?
it highlights the importance of politeness and the ability to regulate one's emotions and behaviour, contributing to social harmony
123
why is "control of violence" significant in Cohen's Measuring Rod?
it underscores the expectation of managing aggressive impulses and resolving conflicts peacefully, reflecting a commitment to social order
124
what does "constructive recreation" mean in this context?
it refers to engaging in leisure activities that are productive and beneficial, promoting personal development and social engagement
125
how does "respect for property" factor into Cohen's Middle Class Measuring Rod?
emphasises the importance of valuing and protecting personal and communal property, reflecting societal norms around ownership and responsibility
126
according to Cohen, why are the norms associated with the "middle class" not exclusive to that social class?
they are actually manifestations of the dominant American value systems that all children, including working-class children, must navigate
127
what does Cohen suggest about the influence of these norms on working-class children?
working-class children are also impacted by these norms and are expected to adapt to them as part of the broader societal values
128
how does Cohen characterise the norms related to the "middle class" in American society?
he sees them as reflective of the dominant American value systems that influence behaviours and expectations across different social classes
129
what are the characteristics of the actions of delinquent boys according to Cohen?
they are non-utilitarian, malicious, and negativistic, often rejecting societal norms
130
what does versatility mean in the context of Cohen's subculture?
a delinquent boys engage in a variety of delinquent behaviours, showing adaptability in their actions
131
how does short-term hedonism manifest in this subculture?
there is a focus on immediate pleasure and gratification rather than long-term goals or consequences
132
what is meant by group autonomy in Cohen's theory?
delinquent boys form independent groups that operate separately from mainstream society, fostering a sense of belonging
133
which social class does Cohen associate with the delinquent boys' subculture?
the subculture is predominantly found among working-class boys
134
what is the gender focus of Cohen's subculture of delinquent boys?
the subculture primarily consists of boys, highlighting the gender dynamics in delinquent behaviour
135
what is one of the main reasons Techniques of Neutralisation is a popular theory?
its simplicity is its key feature
136
what do Techniques of Neutralisation focus on regarding criminal behaviour?
they explain how people neutralise the reasons for which they commit criminal behaviour
137
how do individuals use Techniques of Neutralisation?
they justify or rationalise their actions to alleviate feelings of guilt or shame associated with crime
138
how do Rogers and Buffalo (1974) define neutralisation?
as a method whereby a person renders behavioural norms inoperative, freeing themselves to engage in behaviour that would otherwise be considered deviant
139
what is the effect of neutralisation on a person's behaviour?
it allows individuals to justify deviant actions by neutralising the norms that would typically constrain them
140
what does 'denial of the victim' entail?
it refers to the belief that the person harmed by an action deserved the consequences, often expressed as “They had it coming!” Offenders may also reason that there is no victim as a result of their crime
141
what is 'denial of responsibility' in the context of Techniques of Neutralisation?
offenders argue that their actions were caused by forces beyond their control, often saying, “It wasn’t me!”
142
how does 'denial of injury' function as a technique of neutralisation?
suggests that no one suffered as a result of the crime, with offenders claiming, “It didn’t really hurt anyone!”
143
what does 'appealing to higher loyalties' mean in Techniques of Neutralisation?
offenders cite the importance of loyalty to small groups over societal laws, often saying, “Yes, it’s illegal, but God is above the law.”
144
how is 'condemnation of the condemners' defined?
It refers to the idea that those who disapprove of the crime are hypocrites who have caused more harm, with statements like, “Who are you to judge?”
145
how do rationalisations in Techniques of Neutralisation affect delinquency?
they allow delinquents to avoid feelings of guilt that might arise from their delinquent acts, making it easier for them to engage in such behaviour
146
what additional neutralisation discourses were introduced by Coleman (1994)?
Coleman added 'denial of necessity for the law', where offenders claim that everyone else is doing it, and the 'claim of entitlement', where they assert they are owed what is stolen
147
what is the 'metaphor of the ledger' in Techniques of Neutralisation?
it suggests that deviance can be acceptable if it occurs infrequently. Individuals believe they can compensate for bad acts with previous good acts, gaining a surplus of goodwill
148
how does the 'defence of necessity' function in Techniques of Neutralisation?
this technique argues that if an action is perceived as necessary, then individuals do not need to feel guilty about committing it, even if it is considered morally wrong in a general sense
149
when did acid house emerge in the uk?
acid house emerged in the summer of 1988
150
what was acid house associated with?
it was associated with illegal raves and the second summer of love
151
what drug was commonly linked to acid house culture?
ecstasy was the drug commonly linked to acid house culture
152
who studied the concept of moral panic?
sociologist Stanley cohen studied moral panic in his 1972 work folk devils and moral panics
153
how did the media react to acid house culture?
the media sensationalised the dangers of acid house and ecstasy, framing it as a threat to society
154
what actions did the government take in response to acid house?
the government passed new laws to curb the movement and established police units to target unlicensed parties
155
what album is associated with the roots of the moral panic surrounding acid house?
the album is The House Sound of Chicago Volume III: Acid Track
156
when was The House Sound of Chicago Volume III released?
January 1988
157
how did the sleeve notes describe the new sound of acid house?
the sleeve notes described it as 'drug induced', 'sky high', and 'ecstatic'
158
what prediction did the sleeve notes make about acid house?
they predicted that acid house would become one of the most controversial sounds of 1988 and provoke a split in opinions
159
what did the youth-orientated music and style press say about moral panic regarding acid house?
they repeatedly predicted that a moral panic about acid house was 'inevitable'
160
where did the genre of Acid House first emerge?
the genre first emerged in the UK in the 1980s
161
what American import influenced the Acid House scene in the UK in 1988?
Chicago House music and the drug MDMA reportedly influenced the scene
162
what was the name of the nightclub that opened in London in the spring of 1988 offering Chicago House music and MDMA?
the nightclub was called Schoom
163
what was the name of the song that brought Acid House to the front page of music charts in the UK?
he song was 'We Call It Aceeid'
164
how did the popular music press portray Acid House nights in London's West End
they portrayed it as a heady mix of sex, drugs, and trance dance music, describing it as the UK's biggest display of tribal youth culture
165
how did the practices of the Acid House subculture spread by the summer of 1988?
they emerged on a national scale, centred on the consumption of ecstasy and dancing to House music at various clubs in London
166
what was the size of the parties organised by the Acid House movement?
parties of up to twenty thousand people were held
167
what types of venues hosted these large Acid House parties?
venues included film studios, aircraft hangars, and fields
168
what became the symbol of the Acid House movement?
the round smiley face became the symbol of the movement
169
what was Acid House presented as a threat to?
acid House was presented as a threat to social order, stability, British values, traditional ways of life, and British identity
170
how did the Acid House subculture spread compared to other subcultures?
acid House spread across the entire UK, while other subcultures were relatively contained
171
why was the mobility of Acid House participants significant?
the mobility made it harder for police to control and regulate gatherings, as participants moved from different areas to attend parties
172
what challenge did the police face regarding Acid House parties?
police had to deal with the movements of participants rather than focusing on a fixed location, complicating their ability to maintain order
173
where were many Acid House parties held, and why was this significant?
many Acid House parties were held in rural locations, making it easier to hide them from police detection compared to urban areas
174
how did the rural presence of Acid House parties affect perceptions of the subculture?
the presence of these parties in rural settings heightened anxieties and contributed to the view of Acid House as a disruptive force against the Thatcherite project
175
what values did the countryside symbolise for the Conservative Party?
the countryside symbolised conservatism, tradition, respectability, and order, which were fundamental to Conservative values
176
why was the presence of Acid House parties particularly troubling for the Thatcher government?
the parties threatened the sanctity of rural areas, which were seen as the heartland of Conservative electoral support and fundamental to Thatcherism
177
when did the moral panic around Acid House begin, and what triggered it?
the moral panic began on August 17, 1988, when The Sun first reported on drug taking at the London club Spectrum
178
how did media coverage evolve in response to Acid House?
throughout 1989 and into 1990, other newspapers followed The Sun’s shocked coverage, contributing to the moral panic
179
what comparisons were made in the UK’s mass media regarding Acid House?
the media made exaggerated comparisons to drug use in the 1960s and speakeasies during Prohibition
180
what was the immediate reaction after Mayes's death in relation to Acid House?
hysteria took hold immediately, with claims that Acid House was corrupting innocent youth
181
what action did Sir Ralph Halpern take regarding Acid House culture?
Sir Ralph Halpern banned Smiley shirts from his TopShop retail chain
182
how did the BBC respond to Acid House music on the show Top of the Pops?
the show declared a moratorium on all records containing the word "acid."
183
how was the police and media response to Acid House characterised?
the response was disproportionate, with police tactics going far beyond those used against previous subcultures and free festivals, including the use of riot squads to raid parties
184
what was the Pay Party Unit and its purpose?
the Pay Party Unit was a police unit established at considerable cost to tackle the Acid House movement, specifically tasked with controlling the rave scene
185
what activities did the Pay Party Unit engage in?
the unit monitored pirate radio, tapped phones, and organised helicopters to track organisers. In three months, they initiated 20 major investigations and built a database with extensive information on individuals and vehicles
186
what were some statistics regarding the Pay Party Unit's activities?
within weeks, the unit's 200 officers had monitored 4,380 telephone calls and made 258 arrests
187
what is a key characteristic of moral panics, including the Acid House panic?
moral panics tend to burn out quickly after their initial surge of hysteria
188
how does the Acid House movement relate to earlier youth subcultures?
the Acid House movement is a modern example of a moral panic, exhibiting elements similar to those seen with the Mods and Rockers and the Teddy Boys in previous decades
189
what historical context does the Acid House panic fit into?
it reflects a recurring pattern in society where new youth cultures provoke fear and concern among the public and authorities
