Overview
This lecture covers Stanley Cohen's theory of folk devils and moral panics, exploring how media, authorities, and societal reactions to deviance shape public perceptions of crime.
Stanley Cohen’s Folk Devils and Moral Panics
- Stanley Cohen introduced the term "moral panic" in his seminal research on media coverage of youth subcultures in 1960s UK.
- Cohen focused on clashes between mods and rockers at seaside resorts, which the media exaggerated as riots.
- Media reports turned minor scuffles into a national concern, defining mods and rockers as distinct subcultures.
- Cohen’s methods included direct observation, interviews, and analysis of media and court records.
- He found that actual participants saw the clashes as trivial, while the media framed them as societal collapse.
- Media and authorities (government, judiciary) acted as "moral entrepreneurs," reinforcing their moral values on society.
- Moral panics led to the creation of "folk devils," demonized groups blamed for social problems.
- Increased policing and sensational reporting often amplified deviant behavior, a process called “deviancy amplification.”
Applications and Modern Examples
- The concept of moral panics applies beyond 1960s youth culture to events like rave culture, terrorism, and knife crime.
- Governments have targeted groups as folk devils, such as ravers, Irish Catholics, Muslims, and working-class or black communities.
- Media have linked these groups to broader issues like welfare dependency or music genres (rap, grime, drill).
- Recent examples include creation of "covidiots" during the COVID-19 pandemic and portrayal of Black Lives Matter protesters.
Criticisms of Cohen’s Theory
- Critics argue Cohen’s ideas are outdated due to today’s media saturation and diverse information sources.
- Moral panics are sometimes short-lived and may become normalized, as with various music genres.
- Some cultural phenomena implicated in moral panics are later absorbed into mainstream society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Moral Panic — A widespread societal fear that some group or activity threatens social order, often fueled by the media.
- Folk Devil — A person or group labeled as a threat to societal values, often stereotyped and vilified.
- Moral Entrepreneur — Individuals or groups who campaign to enforce societal norms or values.
- Deviancy Amplification — The process where attempts to control deviance increase its visibility and frequency.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Cohen's original case studies and methods.
- Compare Cohen’s theory to recent events or media coverage of social issues.
- Read critiques by Thornton and Robbie on media saturation and the fading of moral panics.