Abstract
This article explores the intersubjective dynamics that foster desistance from crime. It explains that the concepts of ââ"šÂ¬Ã‹Å“identificationââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ and ââ"šÂ¬Ã‹Å“recognitionââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âas defined by Jessica Benjaminââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âilluminate how psychic change can come about despite social continuity within offendersââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ lives. The value of Benjaminââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s approach is illustrated through the analysis of the case of a former far-right activist. The article shows that in order to desist from crimes that involve a symbolic ââ"šÂ¬Ã‹Å“otheringââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ (e.g. hate crimes) offenders have to reclaim the psychic parts of themselves that are projected onto victims. The article concludes that when those deemed ââ"šÂ¬Ã‹Å“otherââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ are able to withstand and survive hostile projections the possibilities for psychic change among desisting offenders are enhanced.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 179-202 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Theoretical Criminology |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 2 (May. 2006) |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Keywords
- criminology
- hate crimes
- intersubjectivity
- psychoanalysis
- recidivists
- recognition (psychology)