Dual panic theory: new Insight into moral panics

Abstract

Objective: to comprehensively analyze the moral panic concept, developed in the works by S. Cohen, and to elaborate, on its basis, a new concept – the dual panic theory. Methods: dialectical approach to cognition of social phenomena, allowing to analyze them in historical development and functioning in the context of the totality of objective and subjective factors, which predetermined the following research methods: formal-logical, sociological. Results: Moral panics have been broadly discussed in the public discourse since S. Cohen’s (1972) seminal text on the topic. Despite copious research, we believe that the theory is in need of expansion due to the increased complexity of societal interactions. Through the lens of an increasingly polarizing American culture, we believe the original concept of moralpanics is overly simplified and no longer encompasses the intricacies of American society. Using the story of the McCloskey family’s 2020 interactions with Black Lives Matter protestors and Goode and Ben-Yehuda’s (1994) definitional criteria, we propose a new, expanded theory of moral panics – Dual Panic Theory. Scientific novelty: based on the analysis of the existing approaches to the moral panic concept, the paper offers and elaborates a new concept – the dual panic theory. It suggests that an event can happen that causes a competing panic by two opposing sides of an issue. Different from a culture war, dual panics are genuine panics about an action rather than a reaction to oppositional outrage from a competing interest group. Goode and Ben-Yehuda argue that researching moral panic cannot be complete without an examination of all societal levels, from elites to grassroots, and the full spectrum from ideology and morality at one end to crass status and material interests at the other. As society has evolved, so too must the theoretical explanations of societal reactions, moral panic or otherwise. Practical significance: the main provisions and conclusions of the article can be used in scientific, pedagogical and law enforcement activities when considering the issues related to the moral panic concept.