A Phenomenological Study of Being Criminally Victimized: Contributions and Constraints of Qualitative Research
- 14 April 1984
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Social Issues
- Vol. 40 (1) , 161-177
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1984.tb01087.x
Abstract
Phenomenological analyses of 50 victims' experiences are presented. The format of the results preserves what it was like to live through being victimized, including the temporal flow and the vicissitudes of the experience. This presentation tries to put readers in touch with existential meanings of being criminally victimized, especially the radical threat to the victims' sense of social order and of community. It also draws out implications for strengthening citizens' sense of mutuality. Concrete suggestions include advice to police officers and to designers of victim brochures. Theoretical integration of representative research studies is offered. The article provides clarifications about qualitative methods, including their advantages and constraints.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Characterological versus behavioral self-blame: Inquiries into depression and rape.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1979