Universities across the UK consider the issue of moral panics

Several universities across the UK are to consider the issue of Moral Panics in a programme of lectures funded by the ESRC.

Click here for details of the events.

The first event is in Edinburgh

Seminar 1

Moral Panics and the family
John McIntyre Centre • Edinburgh
23 November 2012 • 10am to 4.45pm

Led by Professor Viviene Cree, Professor Janet Carsten
Dr Stan Houston

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We live in a world that is increasingly characterised as full of risk,
danger and threat. Every day a new social issue emerges to assail
our sensibilities and consciences. Whether we are academics, researchers, policy makers, welfare practitioners or simply members
of the public, we feel paralysed as to know how to respond; we do
not know what to do and whom to trust.

This seminar series will examine some 21st century social issues
and anxieties through the concept of moral panic. It will bring
together academics, policy makers, practitioners, journalists and
service users to debate and discuss the place of moral panics in
policy and practice today.

Presentations will address a series of key questions:

• What is this social issue or anxiety about?
• What is held up as evidence of this social concern?
• Who are its subjects?
• Who are the claims-makers/moral entrepreneurs who are leading
on this issue?
• How does this issue connect to wider social concerns and
tensions?
• What is significant about the historical moment at which the panic   develops?
• What are the consequences of these moral panics?
• What lessons are to be learned