Cancel culture has become a defining feature of contemporary public life, but opinions about it vary sharply. This course explores the phenomenon from multiple angles, asking what social purpose it may serve and where its risks begin.

Together, you’ll discuss whether cancel culture encourages accountability for harmful behaviour, whether it can distort history or silence disagreement, and whether it has a broader chilling effect on open debate. A lively course for anyone interested in media, culture and free expression.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face to face
• Online

COURSE OUTLINE

• Defining cancel culture.
• Where did it originate.
• Is cancel culture more than just a Left vs Right argument
• Historical parallels
• Are we stuck with cancel culture
• Where to next

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Define what is meant by the term 'cancel culture'
2. Identify its modern origins
3. Identify the elements of cancel culture and censorship.
4. Discuss parallels with earlier movements to censor, victimise and/or exclude others.
5. Develop the skills to analyse a 'cancellation'.

COURSE RESOURCES

• Martin Buckley: Cancel Culture and the Psychology of Public Shaming, SocJournal, 14 February 2026, available at

  https://sociology.org/cancel-culture-and-the-psychology-of-public-shaming/

• Anne Branigan: How cancel culture came for everyone, Washington Post, 1 October 2025, available at

  https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/2025/10/01/cancel-culture-kimmel/