Redefining Murder, Transforming Emotion: An Exploration of Forgiveness after Loss Due to Homicide

Redefining Murder, Transforming Emotion: An Exploration of Forgiveness after Loss Due to Homicide offers a multidimensional understanding of forgiveness after losing a loved one to homicide through intensive interviews, participant observation, and analysis. It explores co-victims' ideas, experiences, and motivations toward forgiveness, providing insights into the emotional transformation of individuals affected by extreme violence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Redefining Murder, Transforming Emotion: An Exploration of Forgiveness after Loss Due to Homicide delves into the intricate realm of the emotional transformation of forgiveness, drawing upon years of groundbreaking original research. It stands as a pivotal intersection between criminal victimology and the sociology of emotion, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the experiences of individuals who have lost loved ones to homicide (co-victims). Through a rigorous analysis of 36 intensive interviews with co-victims, complemented by three years of participant observation of self-help groups and other victim-centered events, this book provides a deep and nuanced exploration of forgiveness.

In answering the fundamental questions of "What?", "When?", "How?", and "Why?" forgiveness occurs, this book delves into the rich tapestry of co-victims' ideas about forgiveness. It sheds light on the diverse experiences of different groups of people, shedding light on the processes through which forgiveness unfolds in the face of extreme circumstances of homicide. Moreover, it uncovers the motivations behind co-victims' pursuit of forgiveness, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay of emotions and decision-making processes.

The book concludes with a thoughtful commentary on its overarching conclusions, theoretical and practical implications, suggestions for future inquiry, and an in-depth account of the methodological strategies employed to gather such rich and nuanced data. This work will captivate academics and students alike, spanning various fields such as sociology, criminology, restorative justice, victim services, psychology, and social welfare. Additionally, it will resonate with individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their own experiences, including co-victims or those navigating the aftermath of extreme forms of violence and upheaval. The detailed postscript will also be of interest to those passionate about qualitative methodology in social science research.

In conclusion, Redefining Murder, Transforming Emotion: An Exploration of Forgiveness after Loss Due to Homicide is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of social science. Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, it sheds light on the emotional journey of forgiveness, providing valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners. This book will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the human capacity for resilience and healing in the face of tragedy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367636494