Victimological Values: Criminality, campus wars and cancel culture
The Inaugural Lecture of Professor Simon Green, Criminology, Faculty of Arts Cultures and Education, University of Hull
Victimological values are about uncovering hidden forms of violence, discrimination and abuse. Whether this takes place behind closed doors at home or in the theatre of the courtroom, victimology has sought to shine a light into some of the darkest corners of injustice.
But have these values changed as our understanding of victimisation has changed? In addition to the language of interpersonal and institutional violence and abuse we increasingly encounter victimisation in the context of: harassment, unconscious bias, microaggressions, privilege and disadvantage.
These types of victimisation often represent the grievances of social groups rather than individuals and are played out in the crucibles of social media and public opinion. Have campus wars and cancel culture become the new judge and jury?
In this lecture, Professor Green will explore the disciplinary and methodological implications of what has been described as ‘victim culture’. In particular, what is the relationship between ideology, activism and research and what can victimology offer to help understand where the line is drawn between differences of opinion and new forms of injustice.
