What term is used to describe the individuals within cultural groups who are labeled as 'enemies'?

The term "folk devils" refers to individuals or groups within cultural contexts that are labeled as threats or enemies by society. This concept is derived from the idea that certain people or actions are perceived as deviant or problematic, often resulting in a societal response that demonizes them. The term is frequently used within the field of sociology to analyze the construction of moral panics, where specific individuals or groups are scapegoated for broader societal issues.

In various media portrayals and discourse, folk devils are often depicted in ways that amplify fear or concern, helping to shape public perception and responses toward those individuals. The labeling of folk devils plays a significant role in how societal norms are enforced and how behaviors outside of these norms are punished or controlled, making it a crucial concept in understanding the relationship between media representations and societal behavior regarding crime and deviance.

Other terms, while relevant to discussions about crime and culture, do not encapsulate the specific idea of individuals being branded as enemies within communities in the same manner as "folk devils" does.