A Hybrid Model of Moral Panics: Synthesizing the Theory and Practice of Moral Panic Research

Abstract

We seek to address criticisms of the concept of moral panics (MPs) by offering a hybrid model of MPs that synthesizes theory and practice of MPs research. A review of the literature on MPs from sociology, media studies and related fields shows a wide variety of usage and lack of conceptual clarity of the term 'moral panic'. Yet there are few articles explaining how to analyze MPs. We present a theoretical clarification of MPs by addressing elements of scope, intensity and reception, to create distinction from other related theoretical concepts. To develop a working method for researching MPs, one must have an understanding of social conditions that give rise to, sustain and result in the success or failure of MPs, as well as possible lasting effects. We synthesize Cohen's process-oriented model of MPs and Goode & Ben-Yehuda's attribution-oriented model of MPs, creating a critical hybrid model of MPs that integrates processes and attributes. We then utilize the hybrid model to offer practical suggestions for researching and analyzing the conditions, processes and effects of MPs, in the hopes of encouraging a more rigorous research agenda for scholars of MPs.

Moral Panic, Fear of Crime, and School Shootings: Does Location Matter?

“…To supplement Cohen’s (1972) processual model, Goode and Ben‐Yehuda (1994a, 1994b) highlighted five attributes to provide a comprehensive framework through which to understand the characteristics typical of many moral panics (see also Critcher 2008; Klocke and Muschert 2010; Krinsky 2013). The first of these attributes is concern , which is indicative of a heightened or intensified anxiety level over a perceived social threat (Goode and Ben‐Yehuda 1994a, 1994b).…”

“…In examining these and other issues, researchers typically rely on historical, qualitative data to better understand their impacts on society. Subsequently, Goode and Ben‐Yehuda (1994a, 1994b) introduced an attributional model—emphasizing concern, hostility, consensus, disproportionality, and volatility—that has become a framework for other scholars in this area (see also Critcher 2008; Klocke and Muschert 2010; Krinsky 2013). Schildkraut, Elsass, and Stafford (2015) extended this body of research by quantitatively applying Goode and Ben‐Yehuda’s model to examine college students’ perceptions of school shootings.…”

Transgresiones discursivas y cultura de la seguridad: los pánicos político-morales en la esfera pública española

“…Suelen entenderse como un proceso de estigmatización hacia un determinado colectivo, alejado de la norma establecida por la sociedad convencional y, por tanto, definido como inmoral y socialmente peligroso (entre los colectivos estudiados se encuentran las subculturas juveniles, los adictos a las drogas, las sectas satánicas y los pedófilos). Klocke y Muschert (2010) añaden que estos colectivos desviados tienden a representarse a través de los medios de forma estereotipada (se construyen como demonios populares o folk devils). Se diferencian de otros episodios en los que participan personas individuales (por ejemplo, el affaire Lewinsky de Bill Clinton), o de riesgos sociales más generales y abstractos (por ejemplo, el cambio climático).…”

Shaming 2.0. Social Interaction and the Construction of Shame and Shaming

“…5 A review of the literature on MPs from sociology, media studies and related fields shows a wide variety of usage and lack of conceptual clarity of the term 'moral panic'. Yet, the hybrid model of MP synthesizes theory and practice of MPs research has integrated processes and attributes while offering practical suggestions for researching and analyzing the conditions, processes and effects of MPs (Klocke & Muschert, 2010…”