Moral Panic

How does a society become convinced that a particular group, behaviour, or cultural trend threatens its very existence?

Throughout history, communities have experienced waves of collective alarm over everything from youth culture and popular entertainment to crime, technology, and social change. Often, the public reaction becomes far larger than the underlying threat.

Moral Panic explores how fear spreads, how perceived enemies are created, and how media, political institutions, and social pressures can transform isolated incidents into national controversies.

Drawing on sociology, historical episodes, and contemporary examples, the book investigates the influential concept of the folk devil, the relationship between moral outrage and social control, and the consequences for those caught in the centre of collective fear.

A compelling exploration of how societies decide what to fear—and who pays the price.