Folk Devils & Moral Panics

• Who conducted the research on folk devils and moral panics in 1972?

  Stan Cohen
• What were the two youth subcultures involved in the fights studied by Cohen?

  Mods and rockers
• What aspect of the events was Cohen particularly interested in?

  The media response to the events
• What research methods did Cohen use in his study?

  Observation, content analysis, and interviews
• What new concept did Cohen introduce into sociology?

  Folk devils
• How does Cohen define a folk devil?

  A villain constructed by media narratives
• What can the creation of folk devils lead to?

  A moral panic
• What is a moral panic?

  An exaggerated reaction to a moral issue
• What does the term "deviancy amplification" imply?

  The reaction creates the phenomenon itself
• How did the media's portrayal of the fights affect police response?

  It led to a more forceful police response
• What effect did media stories have on the individuals involved in the fights?

  They began to play the roles assigned to them
• What motivated some people to join in the conflicts?

  To have their "five minutes of fame"
• What are the key concepts introduced by Cohen in his study of moral panics?

  • Folk devils
  • Moral panics
  • Deviancy amplification
• What is the relationship between media portrayal and societal reaction to deviance?

  • Media creates narratives
  • Societal reactions can amplify deviance
  • Reactions may lead to further conflicts