Understanding Moral Panics: Exploring Crime and Criminality

In November 1995, the tragic case of Leah Betts, who fell into a coma after consuming Ecstasy at her 18th birthday party, captured the attention of the nation. The media frenzy surrounding this incident fueled public concerns and raised questions about the implications of drug use, particularly among the youth. This essay delves into the concept of moral panics and its implications on perceptions of crime and criminality, supported by four identified examples of moral panics experienced in the past.

The Leah Betts Incident: Unraveling the Moral Panic

The aftermath of Leah Betts' tragic death highlighted three major concerns: the perceived rise of a 'deviant' youth culture, an increase in female drug users, and a growing prevalence of Ecstasy use at raves and clubs.

It is essential to note that the party where Leah consumed Ecstasy was at home, and her death was not solely attributed to excessive water intake after taking the tablet. Official statistics revealed that the primary cause of death for individuals aged 14-24 was car accidents, with smoking and alcohol contributing significantly to drug-related deaths in this age group.

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Despite these facts, the media narrative surrounding Leah Betts created a distorted image, emphasizing certain details while downplaying others. The involvement of Leah's stepfather, an ex-drug squad leader, and her stepmother, a nurse actively involved in drug education, added to the sensationalism. The incident gained further attention when comments from members of popular bands, East 17 and Oasis, linked Ecstasy with positive experiences. Brian Harvey of East 17, in particular, labeled Ecstasy as harmless, raising concerns about the influence of such 'role models' on the youth.

Leah's parents capitalized on the tragedy by launching campaigns and sharing photos of Leah in a coma, employing scare tactics to discourage drug use. The emotional impact of these images resonated with the public, leading to widespread support for drug awareness initiatives. This case aligns with the foundational principles of a moral panic, wherein societal values and interests are perceived to be under threat, creating a collective response characterized by exaggeration and fear.

The Concept of Moral Panic: A Historical Perspective

The study of criminology has evolved from various perspectives, including individualistic, legal, law enforcement, criminal justice, and criminal behavior analyses. Central to much of the research is the concept of moral panic, a term coined by Cohen (1972) to describe a condition where individuals or groups are defined as threats to societal values and interests. Moral panics can either be novel occurrences or reiterations of past concerns that gain heightened significance within society.

Criminology, as a discipline, involves the exploration of personal experiences, mediated knowledge, official statistics, and research knowledge from psychological and sociological perspectives to understand crime and criminality (Soothill, Peelo, & Taylor, 2002). In grappling with crime-related issues, individuals seek a sense of control, and when perceived threats to social order emerge, pressure mounts on politicians and society to take action. This phenomenon was particularly evident during the 1960s, marked by the 'sexual revolution' and 'drug culture' (Furedi, 1994).

The death of Leah Betts reignited concerns about the drug culture, providing a clear example of the moral panic phenomenon. According to Thompson (1998), moral panics consist of key elements that manifest as societal reactions to perceived threats. These reactions, often fueled by the media, can escalate from personal concerns to becoming significant social problems. The interconnectedness of personal experiences, mediated knowledge, official statistics, and research knowledge contributes to shaping society's responses to crime-related issues.

Moral Panics: A Continuum of Social Reaction

Moral panics, as described by Goode (1994), exist on a continuum that spans from local to regional and national levels. As society grapples with crime and criminality, assumptions are made and categorized within the four types of knowledge identified by Soothill, Peelo, and Taylor (2002). Personal experiences, mediated knowledge, official statistics, and research knowledge from psychological and sociological perspectives interact to inform societal perceptions and responses to crime.

Amidst the complexity of understanding crime, individuals seek a semblance of control. Thompson's argument (1998) underscores that perceived threats to social order compel politicians and society to take action. This dynamic has been notably observed in historical periods marked by significant societal shifts, such as the 1960s, where moral panics were fueled by the 'sexual revolution' and 'drug culture.'

In conclusion, the concept of moral panics provides a lens through which to examine society's responses to perceived threats to social values and interests. The Leah Betts case serves as a poignant example of how media narratives can distort realities, creating an atmosphere of fear and exaggeration. By understanding moral panics and their historical context, we gain insights into the intricacies of societal reactions to crime and criminality. As individuals and members of society, our perceptions are shaped by personal experiences, mediated knowledge, official statistics, and research knowledge, influencing the collective responses that shape the discourse around crime.