The politics of scandals: a reflection on the paradox of scandals, between conservative and emancipatory politics

Scandals capture our attention because they expose something unsettling about the world we live in. But what if scandals do more than reveal wrongdoing? This thesis explores how scandals shape society in complex and often contradictory ways. On the one hand, they can challenge power, highlight injustices, and spark public calls for change. On the other, they can end up reinforcing the very norms and rules they seem to question.

Rather than seeing scandals as just sensational media stories, this work invites us to understand them as public tests of reality. When a scandal erupts, it disrupts our shared sense of the world, forcing us to ask: What happened? Who is to blame? What does this say about us? These events provoke strong emotions—anger, betrayal, indignation—which help people make sense of the situation and guide responses.

Scandals also create space for deeper conversations about identity, justice, and values. They encourage public debate, allowing different voices to express what they think is right or wrong. Through this process, communities not only react to what happened but also reflect on who they are and what they stand for.

At their best, scandals open up possibilities for rethinking what’s normal or fair. At their worst, they can lead to quick judgments and missed opportunities for meaningful change. Either way, scandals matter—not just for what they reveal, but for how they make us question, respond, and redefine our collective life.