{Moral Panic

Afreen Shahid 13T

The theory of moral panic was created by Stanley Cohen in 1960. It is the process of which the media amplifies a particular event in the news, which results in people worrying about a subgroup, disease or individual. The media plays a part in defining and shaping social problems and perceptions of threat.This media representation and subsequent societal reaction may increase the deviance and threat.

Stan Cohen

“An initial act of deviance, or normative diversity (for example, in dress) is defined

as being worthy of attention and is responded to punitively. The deviant or

group of deviants is segregated or isolated and this operates to alienate them from

conventional society. They perceive themselves as more deviant, group

themselves with others in a similar position, and this leads to more deviance.” (Cohen,

1972: 18)

CONCERN – that the behavior of the group or category in question is likely to have a negative impact on societyHOSTILITY – towards the group in question increases and they become ‘folk devils.’ A clear division forms between ‘them’ and ‘us’CONSENSUS – a widespread acceptance that the group in question poses a very social threat to societyDISPROPORTIONALITY – the action is disproportionate to the actual threat by the accused groupVOLATILITY – moral panics are highly volatile and tend to disappear as quickly as they appeared due to a wane in public interest or news reports changing to another topic.

Stages of Moral Panic

A rise in criminal or anti-social acts A specific shocking and memorable incidentSearch for explanation in public discourse Blame attributed in news coverageDemands for action e.g. change in lawResearch disregarded or ridiculed

How does moral panic emerge?

A good film example that links with the concept of moral panic is Psycho (1960). The film made the audience feel really uncomfortable as it made people feel that they couldn’t trust anyone. The film itself reflected that and this made it a successful hit as it made the audience disturbed and confused at the actual killer. Alfred Hitchcock reflected societies fears in this movie as it made the audience more worried and suspicious of who to exactly trust.

Psycho (1960)