Stanley Cohen - Moral Panic

A moral panic occurs when a group of people emerges to become defined as a threat to society and its values.  People who supposedly threaten social order are described as "folk devils".

Cohen states that moral panics are in essence controversies that involve arguments and social tension, disagreement is difficult because the matter at the center is seen as taboo.The media simply reporting on a certain story is enough to create worry and panic within members of society.

Characteristics of a 'Moral Panic':  

• Concern – There must be awareness that the behaviour of the group is a threat to people in society.
• Hostility – Hostility towards the group in question increases, and they become "folk devils". Divisions form, 'them' and 'us'.
• Consensus – There must be widespread acceptance that the group in question poses a very real threat to society. It is important that the "moral entrepreneurs"(people building up the issue) are vocal and the "folk devils" appear weak and disorganised.
• Disproportionality – The action taken is disproportionate to the threat posed by the group.
• Volatility – Moral panics are highly volatile and tend to disappear quickly due to a lack of public interest or news reports changing to follow new topics.