NCJ Number
164534
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After defining the overarching perspective of "peacemaking" criminology, this chapter discusses how it might be integrated into studies of race, class, and gender.
Abstract
Richard Quinney (1991) has identified four key themes in peacemaking criminology: an awareness of human suffering, right understanding, compassion and service, and the way of peace and social justice. These themes transcend traditional approaches to criminology as they force criminologists to address the dialectic between their rational, pragmatic side and their humanist side. Peacemaking criminology often focuses on the social and structural arrangements of society, particularly U.S. society, and the implications of such arrangements for harmful behavior. The way of peacemaking begins at the intrapersonal level and must be integrated interpersonally within institutions, within the society, and within the global context. Peacemaking has clear implications for studying the intersection of race, class, and gender. Studying the differential effects of racism, classism, and sexism is key to any peacemaking perspective. Exposing the essence of the suffering people face because of race, class, and gender brings the suffering of inequality to the fore. A peacemaking commitment to end suffering and harm requires the elimination of the structural conditions that give rise to such suffering and harm. As those conditions are violent and perpetuate violent situations, criminologists and policymakers must seek an alternative, peaceful path if suffering and ultimately crime are to be reduced. 21 references