Embracing Absurdism in Criminal Justice Progress

• In Event: Narrative Criminology #4: No Laughing Matter? Humor, Jokes and Satire in Research on Social Harms

Abstract

This paper argues for the embrace of absurdism as a conceptual framework in criminal justice reform movements. Taking the context of Neoliberalism seriously involves manoeuvring through and living within irrationality – a task which is best managed through humour and satire. Gemma Flynn teaches criminology, has worked in criminal justice policy contexts in Scotland and has also performed standup comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This paper brings together these seemingly disparate but equally embedded Scottish traditions of reformism, critique and humour. Ultimately it is argued here that where crime and justice progress has stagnated, absurdist and satirical practices have meaningful power in undercutting establishment inertia.

Author

• Gemma Flynn, University of Strathclyde