SOCB50H3 Study Guide - Final Guide: Los Angeles Times, The Fresno Bee, Dear Abby
Document Summary
The razor blade in the apple: the social construction of urban legends. Widespread belief that anonymous sadists give children dangerous treats on. Halloween: news stories about halloween sadism suggests threat is greatly exaggerated. Halloween sadism viewed as urban legend, emerging in 1970s to give expression to growing fears about safety of children, danger of crime, and other sources of social strain. Urban legends, like collective behavior and social problems construction are responses to social strain, shaped by perception of threat and social organization. 1970s frightening new deviant halloween sadist gave dangerous: each year, brought warnings to parents adulterated treats to children. Halloween sadism thought to involve random, vicious, unprovoked attacks. Law enforcement and media reaffirm threat is real, urging parents to protect children: even though regarded as serious threat, received little scholarly attention. Sociological perspective: assess incidence of halloween sadism to demonstrate threat is greatly exaggerated, draw upon concept from folklore studies to argue that belief in halloween.
