List of moral panics
This is a list of events that fit the sociological definition of a moral panic.
In sociology, a moral panic is a period of increased and widespread societal concern over some group or issue, in which the public reaction to such group or issue is disproportional to its actual threat. The concern is further fueled by mass media and moral entrepreneurs. Moral panics may result in legislative and/or long-lasting cultural changes in the societies where they occur. The concept was first introduced into the field of sociology by Stanley Cohen in his 1972 book and has since been expanded by other researchers. Moral panics are different from irrational hysterias.
18th century and before
| title | concern | causes | location | time | refs |
| Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire | Threat to public order and religious traditions | Rejection of imperial cult, accusations of cannibalism and incest | Roman Empire | AD 64-313 | |
| Blood libel | The false idea that Jews engage in the kidnapping and murder of gentile children | Europe | |||
| Witch-hunts | That some individuals with supernatural powers, "witches", were causing harm to people in their communities | Unsubstantiated rumors and accusations of witchcraft | Europe, North America | Middle ages to the 1700s |