Moral Panic Flashcards
What is moral panic in the context of crime and deviance?
Moral panic is an exaggerated reaction by the media, the police, or the public to a perceived problem or threat of deviant behavior.
True or False: Moral panics are based on accurate and objective information about crime and deviance.
False
What are the key elements of a moral panic?
Exaggeration of the issue, prediction of dire consequences, and identification of a scapegoat.
Fill in the blank: Moral panics often lead to the creation of ___________ to address the perceived threat.
New laws or policies
What role does the media play in perpetuating moral panics?
The media often sensationalizes stories and amplifies the perceived threat, contributing to the panic.
How do moral panics impact society?
Moral panics can lead to social division, discrimination, and the erosion of civil liberties.
What is the relationship between moral panic and social control?
Moral panics can be used as a form of social control to regulate behavior and maintain order in society.
What is the difference between deviance and crime?
Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms, while crime refers to behavior that violates laws.
How does labeling theory relate to moral panic?
Labeling theory suggests that the creation of deviant labels through moral panics can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where individuals conform to the negative label.
What are some examples of moral panics throughout history?
Examples include the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, the War on Drugs, and the fear of ‘hoodies’ as a symbol of delinquency in the UK.
