Devilry, Deviance, and Public Sphere: The Social Discovery of Moral Panic in Eighteenth Century London

by Christopher Hamerton

Overview

Devilry, Deviance, and Public Sphere draws on criminology and social theory to explore and expand social historical themes in the analysis of perceptions of deviance and crime in the eighteenth century. Developing the theoretical device of Folk Devils and Moral Panics, instigated by Stanley Cohen and developed by Erich Goode and Nachman Ben-Yehuda, the book explores the social discovery of, and public response to, crime and deviance in that period. Detailed contemporary case studies of youth violence, sexual deviance, and substance abuse are used to argue that Hanoverian London and its novel media can be identified as the initiating historical site for what might now be termed public order moral panics. In doing so, Hamerton provides a vivid historical lineage of moral panic which traverses much of the long eighteenth century. The book considers social change, allowing for points of theoretical convergence and divergence to be observed, whilst exploring historical models of public opinion, media, deviance and crime alongside the unique character and power located within the burgeoning Metropolis. Devilry, Deviance, and Public Sphere seeks to make an important contribution to the understanding of both moral panic theory and the historiography of crime and deviance, and posits that the current discourse on folk devils and moral panics can be extended and enriched via the exploration of the moral crises of earlier centuries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783031148835
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date:	11/21/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	703 KB

About the Author

Christopher Hamerton is Deputy Director of the Institute of Criminal Justice Research in the School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

Foreword: Professor Dick Hobbs.- Chapter 1: Introduction: Devilry, Deviance, and Public Sphere: The Social Discovery of Moral Panic in Eighteenth Century London.- Chapter 2: The shaping of opinion: Literacy, media, and folk devils in eighteenth-century London.- Chapter 3: This great and monstrous thing, called London.- Chapter 4: Who has not trembled at the Mohocks name? Panic on the streets, 1712.- Chapter 5: Kill-grief and Comfort: Madame Geneva and the London gin panic, 1720-1751.- Chapter 6: Morality amid monstrosity: The London Monster panic, 1790.- Chapter 7: Conclusion.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Christopher Hamerton has made an important contribution to our understanding of both moral panic theory, and the historiography of crime and deviance. He has placed a spotlight on a theoretical tool that has become blunted by imprecise and lazy use, and is often wielded by practitioners who are unacquainted with the complexity of both actual social deviance and social theory. By showing the reader how the moral crises of earlier centuries can impact on our understanding of contemporary society Hamerton has revitalised the complex concept of moral panic. Stan Cohen would have been impressed.”

— Professor Dick Hobbs, University of Essex, UK

“This is a rare book, one which combines the skilful evaluation of complex theory and rigorous historical research in a sophisticated but accessible form. The highly detailed and insightful case studies take you right into the heart of eighteenth-century London, with the moral panics of the past resonating with those of the present. A stimulating, thought-provoking, and highly recommended read.”

— Professor Julia Davidson, OBE, University of East London, UK

“A very timely and much needed contribution, shedding fresh light on Stanley Cohen’s ‘moral panic’ theory. Christopher Hamerton’s outstanding examination of the historical roots of the concept allows it to be applied to contemporary contexts to better understand social and historical phenomena. This book should be widely read across the social sciences and humanities. It will be on my students’ reading lists, and should be marked for inclusion on many others.”

— Dr Mark Ramsden, University of Cambridge, UK

“Devilry, Deviance and Public Sphere provides an authoritative evaluation of the likely historical source of the widely used concept of moral panic first made famous by Stan Cohen over fifty years ago. Indeed, I am sure Stan would be delighted to see such a scholarly treatment of his theory. Within this meticulously researched book, Georgian London jumps from the pages as a city of chatter, chaos, and horror — the perfect place for folk devils to emerge and exist. Hamerton has provided an exemplary interdisciplinary guide for both criminologists and historians. This book should be essential reading for anyone interested in augmenting their knowledge of both social theory and social history.”

— Dr Anne Brunton, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK