Deck 17: Failure to Launch: Why Do Some Moral Panics Fail to Detonate Moral Panics

Question 1

Jenkins argues that the case of online child pornography represents a form of

A) political cover-up to protect elites in power.
B) media-induced moral panic.
C) a counter-example of the conventional wisdom about moral panics.
D) law enforcement success in dealing with a social problem.

Answer 1

a counter-example of the conventional wisdom about moral panics.

Question 2

Jenkins points out that Cohen's (1972) classic statement about moral panics

A) has assumed a canonical status that impedes recognition of those social issues, and conditions that fail to materialize into full blown moral panics.
B) points to a deep and widespread fear among the middle class, which is reflected in fears about stock market crashes leading to social chaos.
C) emphasize the rational and measured reaction to the proliferation of social problems in contemporary society.
D) explains why a condition or a group of people, such as Internet child pornographers that represent a threat to social values, are not always the subject of a moral panic.

Answer 2

has assumed a canonical status that impedes recognition of those social issues, and conditions that fail to materialize into full blown moral panics.

Question 3

According to Jenkins, online child pornography is an example of a social issue that

A) simply cannot be understood theoretically due to many conflicting factors.
B) like most moral panics, came and passed quickly without long term social implications.
C) although an obvious candidate for a moral panic, failed to launch into one.
D) invariably have long-lasting, public policy implications.

Answer 3

although an obvious candidate for a moral panic, failed to launch into one.

Question 4

Jenkins (2001) research on the topic of online child pornography suggests all of the following EXCEPT

A) its size and scope is generally underestimated and downplayed by law enforcement authorities, due to several factors such as technology.
B) due to legal restrictions, the media has had little independent access to and little opportunity for first hand observation of and reporting on this material.
C) some collections of child porn images exceed a million images or photos.
D) organized crime controls most of the global trade in child porn.

Question 5

Which of the following DOES NOT represent a reason why an apparent social problem fails to launch and does not become a moral panic?

A) Lack of technological expertise
B) Comprehensive, official control of an issue
C) Bureaucratic red tape
D) Invisibility of the problem to most people

Question 6

Which of the following according to Jenkins DOES NOT represent an element of the ideal panic?

A) Several agencies and interest groups must exist from which the media can select competing claims about an issue.
B) The panic should offer a narrative with heroes and villains.
C) The audience of ordinary people need not have previous knowledge nor everyday experience of the issue, as long as the political will is present to exploit it.
D) The story should lend itself to visual portrayal

Question 7

Identify and discuss several limitations Jenkins identifies with respect to Cohen's (1972) model of moral panics. Describe these limitations with specific reference to the example of online child pornography. Do you agree with his assertion that Cohen's framework, although once useful, has now become an obstacle to the empirical investigation of social issues? Why or why not?

Question 8

Jenkins proposes several modifications to Cohen's (1972) original theory of moral panics based on his use of a social constructionist approach. Explain the advantage of social constructionism for the study of social issues and moral panics.

Question 9

Jenkins explains several reasons and factors why an issue may not launch into a full blown moral panic. Please identify and describe two direct reasons, and three indirect or backgrounds factors that help to explain this lack of a moral panic.

Question 10

Identify and discuss each of the specific elements of Jenkins' Ideal Panic theory. How do these help to account for why Internet child porn has not become a hot bed issue? Do you foresee any possible change in this situation? Explain.