What concept is explored in Cohen's study regarding mods and rockers?

Cohen's study on mods and rockers primarily investigates the moral panic that emerged due to media portrayals of these youth subcultures. Cohen argued that when incidents of violence and anti-social behavior between mods and rockers occurred, the media sensationalized these events, leading to exaggerated public fears about youth delinquency. This process of moral panic illustrates how society reacts strongly to perceived threats from subcultures, often intensifying the public's perception of danger and prompting heavy-handed responses from authorities.

Through this lens, Cohen highlighted the role of media in shaping societal perceptions and reactions, demonstrating how misrepresentations can distort reality and lead to broader consequences for the youth involved. The phenomenon of moral panic captures how the media can amplify fears and influence societal attitudes toward groups viewed as deviant. This understanding is key to analyzing the dynamics of crime, deviance, and societal response.