The Social Organization of Victimhood

• In Event: Victimization and Victimhood: Both Sides of the Coin

Abstract

Parties to a conflict sometimes present themselves to others as victims. To win conflicts, or at least to mobilize support, they might try to convince third parties that they are weaker than their adversaries and in need of help. They can employ a number of strategies to do so. They might publicize the offenses against them, even minor ones; they might abase themselves or destroy themselves, such as through hunger strikes or self-immolation; they might falsely accuse their adversaries of “hate crimes” or other offenses; or they might deliberately provoke their adversaries into victimizing them more severely. These strategies of victimhood are by no means employed everywhere, though, and in other contexts adversaries might exaggerate their strengths and downplay their need for help. Particular social conditions breed an emphasis on victimhood. For example, the emphasis on victimhood increases with the status superiority of third parties. Where the conditions of victimhood are widespread and extreme, such as in the presence of a powerful state, a culture of victimhood may develop. Victimhood cultures occur under conditions nearly opposite to those of honor cultures, and their moral ideals differ accordingly.

Authors

• Bradley K. Campbell, California State University, Los Angeles

• Jason Manning, West Virginia University