Scroungers: Moral Panics and Media Myths

An examination of the disturbing rise of 'scrounger-phobia' in the media and society at large, and how this has fuelled popular hostility towards benefit claimants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Scroungers, spongers, and parasites are just a few of the terms that are increasingly used to describe the most vulnerable members of our society. These individuals, whether they are sick, disabled, or unemployed, have long been a popular scapegoat for all manner of social ills. However, under the austerity measures implemented in recent years, hostility towards benefit claimants has reached new levels of hysteria. The "undeserving poor" are now blamed for everything from crime to rising levels of child abuse. While the tabloid press has played its role in fuelling this hysteria, the proliferation of social media has added a disturbing new dimension to this process. Social media platforms have spread and reinforced scare stories, normalizing the perception of poverty as a form of "deviancy" that runs contrary to the neoliberal agenda.

This book, Scroungers, is a provocative and illuminating exploration of the ways in which the poor are portrayed in print and online. It places these attitudes in a wider breakdown of social trust and community cohesion. The author examines the media's role in perpetuating stereotypes and prejudices about the poor, as well as the impact of these attitudes on individuals and society as a whole.

One of the key themes of the book is the way in which the poor are portrayed as lazy and dependent on the state. The author argues that this portrayal is not only false but also harmful, as it reinforces the notion that poverty is a personal failing rather than a result of systemic issues. The book also explores the ways in which social media has contributed to the normalization of poverty. Social media platforms have provided a platform for individuals to share their experiences of poverty, which can be both empowering and disempowering. On the one hand, it can raise awareness about the issue and encourage people to take action. On the other hand, it can also reinforce stereotypes and prejudices, leading to further marginalization of the poor.

Another important theme of the book is the impact of poverty on social trust and community cohesion. The author argues that when people perceive others as "scroungers" or "parasites," it can lead to a breakdown of social trust and a sense of isolation and loneliness. This can have a negative impact on individuals' mental health and well-being, as well as on the wider community. The book also explores the ways in which the poor are often stigmatized and discriminated against. This can lead to a sense of shame and self-loathing, as well as to a lack of opportunities for social mobility.

In conclusion, Scroungers is a thought-provoking and important book that provides a valuable insight into the ways in which the poor are portrayed and treated in our society. The book challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that are often associated with poverty and highlights the harmful impact of these attitudes on individuals and society as a whole. By examining the media's role in perpetuating these attitudes and the ways in which social media has contributed to the normalization of poverty, the book provides a roadmap for change. It encourages readers to challenge their own assumptions and to work towards a more just and equitable society that recognizes the value and dignity of all its members.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 223 x 141 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786992147