The political and organizational response to gangs: An examination of a “Moral panic” in Nevada

Some social scientists contend that the nature, frequency, and severity of a particular condition or issue are often grossly exaggerated in order to justify further economic or political action or to enhance the legitimacy of various affected organizations. The result can be a “moral panic,” a situation in which public fears and state interventions greatly exceed the objective threat. Using legislative records, media accounts, and official crime data, we examine whether the response to gangs in Las Vegas constituted a moral panic. After reviewing past research, we analyze data to examine the possible discrepancy between the perceived and the actual severity of the gang problem. We also describe factors that lead to the onset and decline of the moral panic in this particular jurisdiction. We conclude with a discussion of the results as they relate to the “threat” hypothesis and to the political and organizational response to youth gangs in other jurisdictions.