Marc Schuilenburg, a criminology professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, explores the pervasive nature of hysteria in modern society. He discusses how media shapes our fears surrounding crime and safety, framing public reactions historically linked to women's issues. By examining consumer behavior, he highlights the exaggerated responses to crises like pandemics and immigration. Schuilenburg argues that this cultural hysteria may hinder community engagement but can also serve as a catalyst for social change.
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Angry Emails as Inspiration
Marc Schuilenburg's TV appearances discussing public safety often sparked angry emails accusing him of downplaying societal dangers.
This public reaction inspired his book exploring societal hysteria.
insights INSIGHT
Hysteria's Shift from Medical to Social
Hysteria, removed from the DSM in the late 1980s, is no longer a medical diagnosis.
It persists as a social phenomenon observable in various societal aspects.
insights INSIGHT
Freudian Perspective on Hysteria
Freud viewed hysteria as physical manifestations of repressed psychological conflicts, often stemming from traumatic experiences.
Symptoms included paralysis, stiffness, appetite changes, mood swings, and emotional outbursts.
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Marc Schuilenburg's "Hysteria: Crime, Media, and Politics" explores the resurgence of hysteria in contemporary society, moving beyond its traditional medical understanding. The book examines hysteria's manifestation in various social contexts, from political discourse to economic trends and social media interactions. Schuilenburg analyzes the historical evolution of hysteria, tracing its roots from ancient times to its current relevance. He delves into the psychological, somatic, and sociological perspectives on hysteria, drawing on philosophical insights and empirical research. The book ultimately argues that hysteria, while no longer a medical diagnosis, has transformed into a pervasive societal phenomenon with significant consequences.
According to the medical world, hysteria is a thing of the past, an outdated diagnosis that has disappeared for good. Hysteria: Crime, Media, and Politics(Routledge, 2021) argues that hysteria is in fact alive and well.
Hyperventilating, we rush from one incident into the next - there is hardly time for a breather. From the worldwide run on toilet paper to cope with coronavirus fears to the overheated discussions about immigration and overwrought reactions to the levels of crime and disorder around us, we live in a culture of hysteria. While hysteria is typically discussed in emotional terms - as an obstacle to be overcome - it nevertheless has very real consequences in everyday life. Irritating though this may be, hysteria needs to be taken seriously, for what it tells us about our society and way of life. That is why Marc Schuilenburg examines what hysteria is and why it is fuelled by a culture that not only abuses, but also encourages and rewards it.
Written in a clear and direct style, this book will appeal to students and scholars of sociology, criminology, philosophy and all those interested in hysteria and how it permeates late modern society.
Geert Slabbekoorn works as an analyst in the field of public security. In addition he has published on different aspects of dark web drug trade in Belgium. Find him on twitter, tweeting all things drug related @GeertJS.
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