Exam 31: Moral Panics: Culture, Politics, and Social Construction, Erich Goode and Nachman Ben-Yehuda

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Goode and Ben-Yehuda's criteria for a moral panic include the following elements: concern, hostility, consensus, disproportionality, and volatility. Concern refers to the level of public anxiety or fear about a particular issue, while hostility refers to the perceived threat posed by the issue. Consensus refers to the widespread agreement among the public and authorities about the existence and seriousness of the issue. Disproportionality refers to the perceived imbalance between the actual threat and the level of concern or response. Volatility refers to the rapid and unpredictable nature of the panic, including sudden spikes in public concern and media coverage.

On the other hand, Cohen's criteria for a moral panic include the following elements: concern, hostility, consensus, disproportionality, and disproportionality. Cohen also adds the element of disproportionality, which refers to the perceived imbalance between the actual threat and the level of concern or response. Cohen also emphasizes the role of the media in amplifying and perpetuating moral panics.

In comparing the two sets of criteria, it is clear that there is significant overlap in the elements identified by Goode and Ben-Yehuda and Cohen. Both sets of criteria emphasize the role of concern, hostility, consensus, and disproportionality in defining a moral panic. However, Cohen's inclusion of the media as a central factor in the creation and perpetuation of moral panics provides a more comprehensive understanding of how these phenomena manifest in the public sphere.

In terms of which set of criteria provides a better way to spot moral panics in the media, Cohen's criteria may be more useful due to its explicit recognition of the media's role in shaping public perceptions and responses to social issues. By considering the media's influence, individuals can better understand how moral panics are constructed and perpetuated, and therefore be more discerning in their interpretation of media coverage and public discourse. Ultimately, Cohen's criteria provide a more nuanced and comprehensive framework for identifying moral panics in the media.