Family Activism in the Aftermath of Fatal Violence

Family Activism in the Aftermath of Fatal Violence explores how family and family activism work at the intersection of personal and public troubles and considers how family testimonies of fatal violence can impact matters of crime, justice, and punishment. It draws upon ethnographic research with bereaved families who became involved in family activism in the context of fatal violence to manage their experiences and become proxies for wider debates on social injustice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Family Activism in the Aftermath of Fatal Violence delves into the intricate interplay between personal and public challenges, exploring the profound impact of family narratives of fatal violence on matters of crime, justice, and punishment. Fatal violence, as a distressing manifestation of a broader societal violence continuum, leaves lasting scars on families and friends bound by kinship, identity, and social connections. The aftermath of such violence is an intensely personal experience, filled with disorder and uncertainty. However, bereaved families often emerge as the driving force behind efforts to expose injustice, raise public awareness, and advocate for social change aimed at preventing future violence.

Drawing from ethnographic research with bereaved families who engaged in family activism in the context of fatal violence, this book sheds light on their poignant attempts to navigate the aftermath of violent death through public expressions of grief. These families become proxies for broader debates on social injustice, seeking to manage their experiences and contribute to a more just society.

In a landscape where responsibility for addressing the aftermath of violence is increasingly delegated to families and communities, this book offers a timely and insightful exploration. It appeals to students and scholars of criminology, sociology, cultural studies, and anyone interested in delving deeper into the long-term consequences of fatal violence. Through its accessible and compelling narrative, Family Activism in the Aftermath of Fatal Violence provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of trauma, resilience, and social activism in the face of tragedy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367651619