This talk describes a series of events that took place at seaside towns in 1964 and 1965 that involved clashes between groups of youngsters who identified themselves as 'mods' and 'rockers' respectively. The clashes were the subject of a research study by sociologist Stan Cohen. His research not only popularised the term 'moral panic' but also fundamentally changed the theoretical basis of the disciplines of sociology and criminology. In this talk I go on to discuss the implications for sociology and criminology and the lessons that can be learnt from Cohen's research for subsequent events in the social world.

Dr Jack Fawbert