Pânicos morais e mobilização política: as estratégias da extrema direita para controlar o debate público

Herbert Rodrigues

doi:10.23925/1982-6672.2025v17i52p48-71

Authors

Herbert Rodrigues Missouri State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/1982-6672.2025v17i52p48-71

Keywords:

moral panic, bolsonarismo, far right, denialism, populism

Abstract

This article analyzes the instrumentalization of moral panics during Jair Bolsonaro’s government (2019-2022), focusing on the discourses used to reinforce the political strategies of the far right, delegitimize opponents, and mobilize the base of allies. Through a qualitative approach, the study discusses key cases of moral panics fostered during this period, including issues related to pedophilia, “gender ideology,” criticisms of the LGBTQIA+ community, the defense of traditional family values, the Escola sem Partido movement, violent attacks in schools, the concept of the “good citizen,” scientific denialism—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—and the demonization of communism and globalism as internal and external enemies, among others. Using discourse analysis and a literature review on moral panics, the far right, and political communication, we argue that these panics were crucial for maintaining support for the far right, promoting polarization and institutional distrust.

Author Biography

Herbert Rodrigues, Missouri State University

Professor de Sociologia da Missouri State Univeristy, EUA. Doutor em Sociologia pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e mestre em Antropologia Social também pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP).

Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/4620177782951175

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