The concept of moral panic refers to the process of arousing social concern over an issue, often initiated by a moral entrepreneur and involving the creation of folk devils. Folk devils are a generalized representation of a particular group, such as immigrants or football hooligans, that is perceived as deviant within society.
Definitions
- Moral Entrepreneur: Those individuals, such as teachers and politicians, who determine what is considered criminal or deviant within society.
- Folk Devil: A generalization of a specific group of people, often targeted as deviant within society.
Labelling theorists focus on understanding how and why certain acts become labeled as criminal. They argue that no act is inherently criminal or deviant in itself but rather becomes so when labeled as such by society.
Social Construction
It is emphasized that the nature of an act is not inherently deviant, but rather the reaction of society to the act determines its deviancy. Factors such as past offenses, location, language, appearance, and money can influence who is charged and arrested. The decisions made by law enforcement are shown to be influenced by stereotypes.
Cicourel explored the negotiation of justice and found that law enforcement exhibits a class bias, leading to a focus on certain types of individuals. This bias results in law enforcement concentrating on certain types, leading to increased focus in working-class areas and those who fit the typification.
Effects of Labelling
Labeling can result in secondary deviance, where individuals are caught and publicly labeled as criminals, leading to feelings of shame and humiliation. The media tends to sensationalize such stories, leading to the generation of moral panic.
Labeling Theory and Crime
Jock Young found that police are susceptible to media stories and stereotypes, leading them to target folk devils regardless of their actual involvement in criminal activities. This, in turn, can lead to an intensification of police presence in certain areas, resulting in more arrests and reinforcing stereotypes.
Stan Cohen's research revealed that many individuals involved in supposed "riots" were not actually members of the targeted groups. He emphasized the role of social control, folk devils, and the media in creating and exaggerating societal problems, leading to the generation of moral panics.
Labelling and the Mentally Ill
The concept of labeling extends to the mentally ill, where medical professionals have the power to define and label abnormal behavior. This labeling can influence how society views and treats individuals with mental illness. Entering a mental institution often involves a process of mortification, with patients' identities being replaced by the institution's definition.
Howard Becker's labeling theory further explores institutionalization in psychiatric hospitals, where patients learn to conform to the label of being mentally ill, resulting in withdrawal or rebellion within the institutional setting.
In conclusion, the concept of moral panic, folk devils, and the process of labeling play a significant role in shaping societal responses to deviant behavior and individuals labeled as such. These concepts are essential in understanding the dynamics of crime and deviance within society.
