As we saw in this week’s readings, the victim was initially “rediscovered” as a possible partner or contributor to the crime committed against them rather than as an individual worthy of sympathy or compassion. For instance, Wolfgang (1952) and Amir (1971) both posited that victims play a role in regard to homicide and forcible rape.
Why do you think the first explorations into victimization in terms of explaining why people are victimized centered not on offender behavior, but on victim behavior?
Does examining victim behavior when attempting to identify causes of victimization lead to victim blaming?
Is it wrong to consider the role of the victim? How do we consider the role of the victim in today’s society?