Theories of Victimization

Theories provide a framework to explain and better understand phenomena that we see and experience including human behavior and reactions. In this discussion, you will apply theories of victimization to a series of human actions.

Read the following scenario and then answer the questions and points that follow:

Renee, a young woman, is attending an outdoor music festival. She leaves her group of friends to go to the concession stand. As she is walking back toward her friends, Joe, a young man who is a stranger to Renee, and who has had too much to drink, begins to harass her. He shouts things such as "Hey baby, why don't you come with me?" She tells him she is returning to her friends and begins to walk faster. He continues to follow and harass her. Another young man, Alan, sees the problem escalating and intervenes, telling Joe, "Hey man just leave her alone." Joe tells the intervening Alan to mind his own business. Alan steps in between Renee and Joe. Joe begins to poke Alan in the chest and starts to throw a punch at Alan's face. Alan blocks his punch and punches Joe several times knocking him to the ground. Joe is now bleeding from his nose and has a black eye. The police and ambulance are called.

1. First, identify who you believe is the victim (or victims) in this scenario, and explain why you think so.

2. Next, select three theories of victimization (from the theories presented in Chapter 3 of Victimology) and explain the origins of the crime and victimization from the perspective of each of the three selected theories.

3. Finally, describe how the integration of the theories helps provide a more thorough understanding of the crime than one theory alone could. Why is it valuable to consider multiple perspectives when examining the origins of crime and victimization?