A person or group emerges as a threat to societal values and interests; its nature is presented in a stylised and stereotypical fashion by the mass media.
Folk devils are constructed that need controlling, which leads to increased social control. This occurs during periods when powerful groups or the ruling classes face troubled times.
Concern; behaviour of a particular group represented as having threat.
Volatility; short lived. Panics erupt dramatically but are difficult to sustain. Negative consequences for the rest of us.
Hostility; folk devils constructed to create a clear division between them and us
Consensus; widespread acceptance of the threat posed by this group. Not necessarily reflecting national concern, but the campaigner will be very vocal whilst the opposition will be weak and disorganised.
Disproportionality; will exaggeration of evidence. Not only the number of people involved but also the scale of the problem.
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