The relationship between victimhood and power: Disempowering, Over-empowering and Empowering

Abstract

The words ‘victim’ and ‘victimhood’ are familiar to us all. They are widely used, and widely understood, but does that mean we all agree on what they mean, or how they should be used? Why do some seek out recognition as a victim, while others deny their victimhood? The aims of this thesis are: i) to demonstrate and discuss the existing inconsistencies in discussions about victimhood and attitudes towards victims, and to identify the root of these inconsistent attitudes by examining the complexities of the concept of victimhood, ii) to evidence the link between different approaches to victims, and the amount of power an individual recognised as a ‘victim’ experiences as a result, iii) to discuss the issue of victim blame, and iv) to identify a way to enable and facilitate the possibility of critical analysis of the actions and behaviours which may leave us more vulnerable to harm, without transferring the blame from perpetrators to victims. I examine the power dynamics which surround victimhood in respect of three roles; the victim themselves, the perpetrator of harm, and the wider member(s) of society who bestow a person’s victimhood. This comparison is undertaken using the ‘Victim-Power Triangle’ model, which I have formulated in order to evaluate and analyse the power dynamics between these three roles, with particular focus upon each individual’s ability to achieve their intended effects with their speech. As I demonstrate throughout, there are occasions where recognition as a ‘victim’ can result in an individual becoming over-empowered, and there are cases where recognition as a ‘victim’ can disempower. To avoid over-empowerment or disempowerment, I propose that the aim of victim recognition should be empowerment for the victim, and fair treatment for all parties involved, and that this aim can be achieved through a compassionate approach to victimhood, which recognises two main premises: we are all dignified agents, but we are also, frequently, victims.