Police Rationalization after Overusing Forces During Movements in Bangladesh and the USA: A Neutralization Theory Perspective

• In Event: Theorizing State Power: Comparative Studies of Policing, Punishment, and Penal Logic

Abstract

Both in Bangladesh and the USA, police use of excessive force during demonstrations have drawn much attention. This study wants to examine the problem of abusing police force during movements especially in the case of Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement 2024 and USA Black Lives Matter Movement. Although many studies have been conducted on excessive force used by police, there is still a gap in comparative study of neutralization techniques across two different political and cultural contexts in these two different countries. Collecting data from police press releases, briefings and statements, this study will apply quantitative methods and later code the narratives to look at the rationalizations used by police. This research, guided by Neutralization Theory, will apply a chi-square test to compare the frequency of denial of responsibility, condemnation of condemners, and appeals to higher loyalties between Bangladesh and the USA. The study will focus on cross national patterns and divergence in police justifications, providing insights to police reform policy that can enhance accountability and ethical law enforcement practices.

Authors

• Nikhil Chandra Nath, University of New Haven

• Michelle Fabiani, University of New Haven