Queer Criminology Overview

A field of study that examines the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and the criminal justice system, highlighting the social and legal biases faced by these communities.

A social and legal framework that influences how the LGBTQ+ community is perceived and policed. This includes biases, assumptions, and stereotypes prevalent in the criminal justice system.

The word 'queer' has been reclaimed and embraced by some members of the LGBTQ+ community as a powerful and inclusive term, while others have experienced negative historical associations with it.

The experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within the criminal justice system, including their victimization, their involvement as offenders, and their roles as professionals.

A theory developed by Jordan Blair Woods that highlights how negative stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals influenced the development of early criminological theories.

A distinction between biological sex assigned at birth and a person's gender identity, which is a more fluid and personal understanding of their gender.

Feminist criminology, while valuable, has often focused primarily on the experiences of cisgender women, leaving a gap in understanding the specific challenges faced by the broader LGBTQ+ community.

The discipline of queer criminology draws on critical criminology and feminist criminology, highlighting the intersection of gender, sexuality, and the criminal justice system.

Criminal acts committed out of necessity when legitimate means are unavailable due to systemic barriers.

The study of how LGBTQ+ identities intersect with the criminal justice system, highlighting biases and disparities.

The likelihood of experiencing homelessness is significantly higher among LGBTQ+ youth compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

The overlap between being a victim and an offender, often driven by the social and structural conditions faced by individuals.

Acts of sexual exchange driven by survival needs, often related to homelessness or poverty.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity that can influence crime involvement.

The belief that societal structures and systems contribute to crime, particularly within marginalized groups.

The criminal justice system disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to higher rates of involvement in all aspects of the system.

Feminist criminology has often focused on the experiences of cisgender women and girls, neglecting or even dismissing the experiences of transgender women and girls. This can be seen as discriminatory and harmful.

Queer theory emerged from a need to acknowledge and study the significance of sexual and gender identities. It challenges traditional categories and focuses on the social structures that shape and define identities.

Queer criminology uses a lens of queer theory to examine how sexual and gender identities are used to control and regulate individuals and society. It challenges the status quo and highlights how these identities are often used for social control.

A significant contribution of queer theory to queer criminology is its questioning of the assumptions and power structures that maintain the current social order. It encourages a critical analysis of how these structures perpetuate inequalities.

Queer criminology aims to challenge the traditional categories of gender and sexuality, recognizing that these are fluid and constantly evolving. It seeks to understand the complex interplay of identity and how it impacts individuals' experiences.

A significant influence of queer theory on queer criminology is its emphasis on understanding the lived experiences of individuals. It focuses on the intersection of identity and power, recognizing the multiple identities people may hold and the diverse experiences they face.

Rather than simply adding sexual and gender identity as variables, queer criminology offers a unique lens through which to understand social structures and how they influence our understanding of crime. It challenges us to consider these identities as critical factors in shaping social experiences.

Queer criminology encourages a critical examination of how power operates in our society and how social structures shape our understanding of crime. It highlights the importance of challenging assumptions and recognizing how power impacts our identities.

Certain policing styles, like problem-oriented and zero-tolerance, can increase distrust between law enforcement and citizens, hindering the effectiveness of community policing.

Community policing emphasizes collaboration with local residents and businesses to address concerns, contrasting with traditional, more reactive styles.

The paramilitary structure prevalent in policing, with its emphasis on masculinity and aggression, can make implementing community-oriented policing strategies challenging.

The prevalence of masculinity and heteronormativity in policing can lead to underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ officers and discrimination in the workplace.

While traditional policing styles are more reactive, community policing aims to be proactive, addressing problems before they escalate.

The shift from professional policing to problem-oriented and community-oriented models has the potential to promote inclusivity and attract a more diverse workforce.

The style of policing adopted by agencies significantly influences the effectiveness of diversity training, as certain methods are more conducive to inclusion.

LGBTQ+ officers often face unique challenges, including heightened marginalization and harassment, highlighting the need for awareness and better support.

The idea that power influences how we categorize individuals and groups, leading to the creation of in-groups and out-groups, and punishing those who deviate from social norms.

A theory suggesting that queer criminology needs to be both identity-driven, acknowledging LGBTQ+ experiences, and deconstructionist, challenging traditional theories about crime and deviance.

A theoretical framework that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various social identities, such as race, gender, and sexuality, and how they contribute to unique experiences of oppression.

Prejudiced actions motivated by hatred, based on a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual expression.

Stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people, often portraying them as victims, lacking agency, or inherently deviant.

The tendency to view gay men through a lens of sexual deviancy, focusing solely on their sexuality and criminalizing their behaviors.

Categorizations of queer individuals as criminals that have been perpetuated in media and popular culture for over a century, including the queer killer, sexually deranged predator, disease spreader, security threat, and young criminal.

The police and the Queer community have a long history of conflict due to the enforcement of norms around gender and sexuality. This includes policing gender variance and same-sex intimate interactions, often impacting individuals who express themselves outside the binary heteronormative lens.

The act of targeting and policing individuals based on their perceived gender identity or sexual orientation. This can involve bias, discrimination, and harassment by law enforcement.

The belief that the role of the police is to maintain order and enforce societal norms, even if it means limiting the rights and freedoms of individuals who challenge those norms. This can lead to the criminalization of LGBTQ+ identities and behaviors.

A movement that highlights the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in the context of police violence and state-sanctioned oppression.

The abuse of power by law enforcement officers, often directed towards marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, in the form of harassment, discrimination, and excessive force.

The use of personal beliefs, ideologies, and even discriminatory policies by law enforcement officers to make decisions about who to question, arrest, or target in their policing practices. This can lead to bias and inequality.

The use of discretionary tactics by police officers based on their personal beliefs, political agendas, or outdated policies. This can perpetuate discrimination and social inequalities.

The practice of policing behaviors that are perceived as deviant or outside of social norms, including gender expression and sexual orientation. This can lead to discrimination, harassment, and criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals.