Moral panics

Question 1

Moral panic

Answer 1

An exaggerated over reaction by society to a perceived problem, usually driven by the media where the reaction enlarges the problem out of all proportion to its real seriousness

Question 2

First step of a moral panic process:

Answer 2

The media identify a group as a ‘folk devil’ that poses a threat to societal values

Question 3

Second step of a moral panic process

Answer 3

The media present the group in a negative stereotypical fashion and exaggerate the scale of the problem

Question 4

Third step of the moral panic process:

Answer 4

Society starts to panic due to the media representation of the group and the scale expressed

Question 5

Fourth step of the moral panic process:

Answer 5

Moral entrepreneurs, politicians, the police, editors condemn the group and its behaviour

Question 6

Final step of the moral panic process:

Answer 6

Results in a crack down on the group but often creates a self fulfilling prophecy and amplifies the issue further

Question 7

What does Cohen believe the media focus on?

Answer 7

Exaggeration and distortion of events, Prediction and Symbolisation

Question 8

Who argued the deviance amplification spiral?

Answer 8

Cohen

Question 9

How did the media further amplify the deviance?

Answer 9

Defining the groups by their subcultural styles, leading to more youths adopting the styles thus more participants. Media crystallised two distinct identities - led to tight knit gangs