Routledge The Ashgate Research Companion to Moral Panics

The Ashgate Research Companion to Moral Panics offers a comprehensive assemblage of cutting-edge critical and theoretical perspectives on the concept of moral panic. All chapters represent original research by many of the most influential theorists and researchers now working in the area of moral panic, including Nachman Ben-Yehuda and Erich Goode, Joel Best, Chas Critcher, Mary deYoung, Alan Hunt, Toby Miller, Willem Schinkel, Kenneth Thompson, Sheldon Ungar, and Grazyna Zajdow. Chapters come from a range of disciplines, including media studies, literary studies, history, legal studies, and sociology, with significant new elaborations on the concept of moral panic (and its future), informed and powerful critiques, and detailed empirical studies from several continents. A clear and comprehensive survey of a concept that is increasingly influential in a number of disciplines as well as in popular culture, this collection of the latest research in the field addresses themes including the evolution of the moral panic concept, sex panics, media panics, moral panics over children and youth, and the future of the moral panic concept. Review 'I know of no other book that comes close to providing such a comprehensive look at the history of approaches to understanding moral panics, along with contemporary applications and prospects for future development.' Barry Glassner, Lewis & Clark College, USA and author of The Culture of Fear 'The Ashgate Companion has drawn together a comprehensive, considered and balanced group of scholarly papers that provide ways of understanding the moral panic phenomenon. Like all works by this publisher, there is a comprehensive bibliography and an excellent index as well a class notes to guide teachers in examining this fascinating and highly contested topic.' M/C Reviews 'Charles Krinsky’s edited collection, The Ashgate Research Companion to Moral Panics, is a timely intervention that offers a comprehensive range of critical perspectives and empirical studies from a cross-section of international scholars and disciplinary backgrounds, including media studies, literary studies, history, legal studies and sociology... it fulfils its promise to provide a ’comprehensive survey of a concept that is increasingly influential in a number of disciplines as well as in popular culture.' (book blurb) 'As a research companion, the collection offers both students and scholars a solid grounding in the theoretical origins and critiques of what is clearly still an evolving concept.' Media International Australia 'In embracing this concept so comprehensively, the volume has much to offer, and Krinsky’s overviews preceding each section are a helpful feature. It will no doubt prove effective in keeping the moral panic concept vital and useful.' European Journal of Communication 'Krinsky’s edited collection offers a range of interesting case studies that highlight refreshing ways to apply the concept, with sound theoretical reflections for taking it forward.... This book adds an interesting and creative element to the concept as a whole and, with an array of case studies.' About the Author Charles Krinsky has taught at several colleges and universities in the United States, including the University of California, Irvine, and the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is editor of Moral Panics over Contemporary Children and Youth.