Explanation
Folk devils are individuals or groups portrayed as the embodiment of evil or deviance, blamed for social problems, and targeted in public moral panics. The term was popularized by sociologist Stanley Cohen in his seminal study of youth subcultures and media reactions in 1970s Britain. Folk devils are constructed through sensationalist media coverage, political rhetoric, and institutional responses that simplify complex social issues.
This process often involves exaggerating the threat posed by the group, stereotyping its members, and mobilizing punitive measures to control them. Examples include the labeling of youth gangs, immigrants, drug users, or protesters as dangerous outsiders. The concept of folk devils highlights how societies create scapegoats to reinforce norms, maintain social control, and divert attention from structural problems.
Theoretical Reference
Originating in Stanley Cohen’s work on moral panics, the concept of folk devils is central to cultural criminology and media studies. It shows how social reactions to deviance are constructed and amplified, creating demands for harsher policing and control. Scholars analyze how folk devils legitimize punitive policies, shape public fears, and obscure underlying inequalities. This approach intersects with labeling theory, moral entrepreneurship, and critical analyses of media discourse.