Navigating Contemporary Societal Dynamics: From Professionalism to Stigma Contests

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel explores the multifaceted landscape of modern society, delving into the interplay between professionalism, political shifts, and societal norms. The first talk examines how professionalism within helping professions intersects with punitive approaches towards deviance, revealing underlying power dynamics and empathy deficits rooted in social character formation. The second presentation analyzes Ecuador's transition from progressive policies to a neo-liberal carceral state, offering insights into rising murder rates and broader implications for critical criminology. Next, the discussion shifts to law enforcement, focusing on the integration of human rights principles among dispatchers and 911 operators. Strategies for fostering a more compassionate and ethical approach to policing are explored. Finally, the panel explores stigma contests in contemporary society, investigating the strategic framing of political arguments to shape public perception and norms. Together, these presentations offer a critical examination of societal dynamics, urging reflection on prevailing norms, institutional practices, and their impact on justice and empathy.

Sub Unit

• Area X. Critical Criminology / 76. Critical Perspectives in Criminology

Individual Presentations

• Social Character, Professionalism, and Deviance Management, and Empathy - Danny Kessler, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• The End of the Ecuadorian Murder Miracle? From the Citizens Revolution to the Neo-Liberal Carceral State - David Brotherton, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

• Towards Soulful Policing: Advancing Human Rights Awareness Among Dispatchers and 911 Operators - Peter Marina, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

• Stigma Contests in Late Modern Society - Louis Kontos, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Chair

• Peter Marina, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Discussant

• Danny Kessler, John Jay College of Criminal Justice