Historically, public discourses have used the threats young people appear to pose, as a barometer of social ills and an indicator of society's moral decline (Brannen et al. 1994). Particularly nowadays this tendency is reflected in the increasing ‘evidence’ issued, fuelling public fear and neo-liberal policy reaction (Côté 2002).
Table of Contents
1. The culture of fear and Waiton’s (2002) proposition that we are ‘scared of the kids’.
Objectives and Themes
This work examines the sociological construction of a "culture of fear" in contemporary society, specifically focusing on how risk perception and moral panics shape the relationships between adults and young people, leading to increased surveillance and the systematic over-protection of youth.
- The theoretical development of the "culture of fear" and risk consciousness.
- The social construction of children as a "vulnerable group" and the rise of Ephebiphobia.
- The impact of institutionalized mistrust on inter-generational social dynamics.
- The role of policy, media, and crime prevention in policing youth behavior.
- The necessity of redefining the balance between security and individual freedom.
Excerpt from the Book
The culture of fear and Waiton’s (2002) proposition that we are ‘scared of the kids’.
Historically, public discourses have used the threats young people appear to pose, as a barometer of social ills and an indicator of society's moral decline (Brannen et al. 1994). Particularly nowadays this tendency is reflected in the increasing ‘evidence’ issued, fuelling public fear and neo-liberal policy reaction (Côté 2002).
Alteheid’s (1995) basic argument is that fear in contemporary society has become a dominant public perspective; a way of looking at life. Thus, fear is one of the few shared perspectives in an increasingly individualised society and has become a framework for creating identities and for engaging in social activities (Furedi 1997). Furedi further suggests that the absence of subjectivity in an increasingly objective, rational, bureaucratic and risk conscious society makes us more vulnerable, resulting in a perceived lack of control over our lives and a preoccupation with safety, control and risk prevention.
Summary of Chapters
1. The culture of fear and Waiton’s (2002) proposition that we are ‘scared of the kids’.: This chapter explores how fear has transitioned into a dominant social framework, analyzing how media-driven "moral panics" and risk communication create a climate of mistrust that restricts young people's autonomy.
Keywords
Culture of fear, Risk perception, Ephebiphobia, Moral panic, Youth justice, Surveillance, Social construction, Inter-generational trust, Vulnerability, Crime prevention, Civil liberties, Risk communication, Youth behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines how contemporary society perceives risk and fear, specifically looking at how these perceptions affect the treatment and social standing of young people.
What are the primary thematic areas?
Central themes include the social construction of fear, the stigmatization of youth as a "vulnerable" or "dangerous" group, and the resulting rise in state-led surveillance and safety initiatives.
What is the central research question?
The work investigates the effects of an increased societal focus on risk consciousness and insecurity on the relationship between adults and young people.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper employs a critical theoretical review, synthesizing existing sociological literature and discourse analysis to evaluate trends in public policy and social attitudes.
What does the main body cover?
The body analyzes the transition toward a "culture of fear," the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of youth, and the negative outcomes of risk-averse policies on child development and inter-generational relations.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Culture of fear, Risk perception, Ephebiphobia, Moral panic, Youth justice, Surveillance, and Social construction.
What is meant by the term "Ephebiphobia" mentioned in the text?
It refers to the often irrational fear or hatred of young people, or the persistent and unwarranted fear of teenagers, which is identified as a symptom of a broader "moral panic."
How does the author suggest addressing the current climate of mistrust?
The text suggests a reorganisation of welfare, a movement toward normalizing riskiness rather than fearing it, and fostering an inter-generational climate that is reflexive and dialogical.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Laura Weis Laura Weis (Autor:in), 2011, The culture of fear and Waiton’s (2002) proposition that we are ‘scared of the kids’, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/205920
