Passivity, harm, and injustice

Abstract

This paper concerns passivity. An array of research is reviewed that identifies factors that influence passivity and people’s failure to intervene in the face of social harm and injustice. The ways in which criminological theories could potentially explain the connections between passivity and harmful action are also discussed. Criminologists have tended to neglect passivity as either an independent or dependent variable, which we explain in terms of the generally individualistic orientation of the discipline of criminology and of the government agencies that support criminological research. Finally, we offer suggestions for effective intervention into passivity.

Keywords:

• bystanding
• bystanders
• passivity
• harm-doing
• criminological theories
• non- intervention

Notes

1. These were one-on-one qualitative interviews, during which research participants were asked to discuss their views on a variety of harmful actions. They were digitally recorded. The study revealed a variety of discursive strategies for legitimizing state torture and other harms (see Presser, 2013).

2. Pseudonyms are given.