Worrier State: Risk, Anxiety and Moral Panic in South Africa

Worrier State explores how fear and anxiety manifest in South Africa, where cultures of fear intersect with pervasive systems of gender, race, and class. It highlights the significance of emotion as a socio-political force and offers a bold and creative perspective on the social roles of fear and emotion in everyday life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

In today's societies and media, the prevalence of risk, anxiety, and moral panic is undeniable. However, when we examine these phenomena in a place like South Africa, which grapples with heightened insecurity, deep inequality, and rapid social change, their manifestations take on a unique dimension. How do cultures of fear intersect with pervasive systems of gender, race, and class in a country that has experienced its fair share of challenges?

To explore these questions, Worrier State delves into four compelling case studies. These case studies encompass a range of topics, including the far-right myth of "white genocide," the so-called "Satanist murders of young women," an urban legend about township crime, and social theories about safety and goodness in the suburbs. Through these diverse examples, Falkof emphasizes the profound significance of emotion as a socio-political force. He highlights South Africa's intricate relationship with globalized conditions of anxiety, emphasizing its fundamental hypermodernity that often goes unnoticed.

The book offers a bold and innovative perspective on the social roles of fear and emotion in South Africa and, by extension, on everyday life in this complex country. Falkof challenges us to reconsider our understanding of these phenomena and their impact on individuals and communities. He encourages us to explore the ways in which fear and anxiety shape our perceptions, behaviors, and relationships, and to consider the potential for positive change that can arise from acknowledging and addressing these emotions.

In conclusion, Worrier State is a thought-provoking and insightful book that sheds light on the complex interplay between risk, anxiety, and moral panic in South Africa and beyond. Through its compelling case studies and thoughtful analysis, Falkof provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of these phenomena and their implications for our world. Whether you are interested in social sciences, politics, or simply seeking to broaden your perspective on contemporary issues, this book is a must-read.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526164025