Extending the Concept of Allyship to Perpetrators: Mitigating Recidivism through Love, Empathy, Care, and Compassion

• In Event: Theoretical Perspectives in Critical Criminology

Abstract

We have learned in research and the extant literature that hostility towards perpetrators of various crimes and persons in contact with the criminal justice system is counterproductive, reinforcing re-offending and recidivism, and widening insecurity. To avert this, I am proposing perpetrator allyship to promote love, empathy, care, and compassion [LECC] in the community towards individual offenders, persons in custody, and formerly incarcerated persons. In this paper, I argue from a theoretical lens that extending the principles of allyship to support and advocate for the well-being and social justice of perpetrators may be the catalyst for controlling recidivism and crime in our communities. Drawing on criminology and social work theories such as labelling theory, social learning theory, rational choice theory, social bonding theory, persons-in-the environment, and critical social work theory, as well as my research and practice I have proposed a novel way of addressing crime and recidivism through allyship.

Author

• Frank Darkwa Baffour, The University of Newcastle