Analyzing Pluralized Moral Panics using Morphological Framing: The case of the transgender debate
Tyler, Colin
Authors
Professor Colin Tyler C.Tyler@hull.ac.uk
Professor of Applied Ethics and Political Theory
Abstract
This article presents a new theory of pluralized moral panics that can help researchers make sense of the uniquely inflected conflicts that arise in our highly fragmented and mediatized world. Section one expounds and critiques both the classic theory of moral panics developed by Stanley Cohen, and the polarized theory presented by Iwona Zielińska and Barbara Pasamonik. Section two expounds and revises Michael Freeden’s morphological theory of ideologies to present a theory that is applicable to contemporary pluralized moral panics. Section three applies the new theory to the current transgender debate. This pluralized moral panic is shown to have five features that distinguish it from classic and polarized panics: (1) the fragmentation of disputant groups; (2) the proliferation of ideologies and interpretative bubbles; (3) continual reframing and counter-framing; (4) discontinuous moral panics; and (5) ambiguous responsibilities. These features are explored with reference to a range of disputants, including those within the New Christian Right, trans activist groups, Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, gender critical feminists, and pro-trans feminists. The argument concludes in section four by summarizing the argument and its significance.
Citation
Tyler, C. (online). Analyzing Pluralized Moral Panics using Morphological Framing: The case of the transgender debate. Deviant behavior, https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2025.2525255
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