Abstract

Originally, "cultural shock" referred to the impact on the health of newly arrived immigrant individuals. However, this concept has been debated for its explanatory power regarding culture, particularly the ethical limits of the "shock" notion in perpetuating stigmas. In contrast to the idea of cultural shock, this article aims to introduce the category of moral panic to analyze the case of Haitian migration in Chile. Through 41 interviews with individuals of Haitian and Chilean nationality, we analyze the criteria for constructing moral panic and argue for the differences in frames and social contexts regarding childhood. We conclude on its potential as an empirical category to reproduce new forms of racism while, theoretically, necessitating the dismantling of notions of culture and nation. © CC BY-NC 4.0 CL.