Moral Panics

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Moral panic theory originates in interactionist theory. A moral panic is an
exaggerated over-reaction by society to a perceived problem – usually driven or inspired by the media – where the reaction enlarges the problem out of all
proportion to its real seriousnes

Question 2

In a moral panic

Answer 2

⇓ The media identify a group as a folk devil or threat to societal values.
⇓ The media present the group in negative, stereotypical fashion & exaggerate the scale of the problem.
⇓ Moral entrepreneurs, editors, politicians, police chiefs, bishops & other ‘respectable’ people condemn the group & its behaviour.
⇓ This usually leads to calls for a ‘crackdown’ on the group & for new laws to be enforced which may create a self-fulfilling prophecy that amplifies the very problem that caused the panic in the first place, creating a deviance amplification spiral.

Examples of moral panics include hoodies, paedophiles, dangerous dogs, asylum seekers, the 2011 riots, Islamic terrorists, knife crime & benefits ‘scroungers’. Each has an associated ‘folk devil’ to blame for the problem, potential victims & changes made in response to the panic which can include changes in attitudes, laws, policing, judicial practice, etc