Queer Shame and Criminology

Abstract

This chapter explores criminological and queer engagements with the concept of shame, suggesting that such work constitutes a productive area for future queer criminological scholarship. It notes that there has been a double absence of queer shame from criminology—neither shame’s potentially injurious effects on queers, nor its productive queer potential beyond crime control, have been considered. Criminology is largely concerned with governing shame, in stark contrast to queer scholarship, which is concerned with exploring the productive and disruptive potential of shame. The chapter argues that drawing queer insights on shame into criminology can highlight new possibilities for engaging with, and disrupting, criminal justice practices, and explore whether there is any queer political potential in the use of shame within criminology and criminal justice.