Explanation
Narrative criminology is an approach that emphasizes the role of storytelling in shaping criminal behavior, deviant identities, and moral meaning. According to this perspective, people understand themselves and the world through narratives that provide explanations, justifications, and emotional significance.
Criminal behavior may therefore be connected to:
- stories of revenge,
- heroism,
- victimization,
- resistance,
- or excitement and risk.
Narrative criminologists argue that stories do not merely describe crime but may actively motivate and structure criminal action.
The approach connects criminology with sociology, cultural studies, psychology, media studies, and literary theory.
Theoretical Reference
Narrative criminology is associated with cultural criminology and interpretive approaches emphasizing meaning, identity, and symbolic interaction.