Moral Panic, Political Polarization, and Mass Shootings

• In Event: 20430 - Moral Panics in the 21st Century: Theoretical issues and empirical challenges

Abstract

This paper examines political polarization, social mobilization, and state (in)action surrounding mass shootings in the US. Rather than inciting a hegemonic (and ultimately punitive) "moral panic," mass shootings have incited at turns vigorous outrage and deep denial--as illustrated by the mobilization of survivors and the embrace of conspiracy theories, respectively. This paper will situate these bifurcated social responses to mass shootings in the broader politics of inequality and polarization in order to engage and expand moral panic theory.

Author

• Jennifer Carlson, Arizona State University-Tempe