What is a moral panic?

#sociology #alevelsociology #gcsesociology What is a moral panic? Commonly seen in TV news and online media, the term moral panic refers to an exaggerated report of the level of deviance of a group (a folk devil) whose behaviour is perceived as going against social norms and values and is a sign of moral decay in society. Often used to scapegoat various groups, moral panics rely upon subjective reporting of an issue and the potential (often imagined) dangers that folk devils may create. Folk devils are often marginalised groups - young people form working-class and minority ethnic background are common targets, as are long-term unemployed, single mothers and migrants.