Second-Order Victim-Blaming

Authors

Paula L. Dressel, Georgia State University
Vincent Carter, Georgia State University
Anand Balachandran, Georgia State University

Abstract

Second-order victim-blaming emerges within a host of rationales given when designated solutions to first-order social problems do not produce the desired results. In certain cases second-order victim-blaming is built upon first-order victim blaming. This article develops a typology of second-order victim blaming based on the nature of problems forthcoming from failed social interventions. It then explores the implications of the phenomenon for those upon whom the blame falls, for other actors in intervention systems, and for social policy and programs more generally. It concludes with a tentative model of the sociopolitical implications of accumulated institutionalized victim-blaming, including the extremes of isolation and genocide.

Recommended Citation

Dressel, Paula L.; Carter, Vincent; and Balachandran, Anand (1995) "Second-Order Victim-Blaming," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 22: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2244
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol22/iss2/8