sociological explanations for state crime (state denies) Flashcards
what is the spiral of denial for stan cohen
-he identified a spiral of denial that states use when accused of human rights
what is the states first reaction?
“it didn’t happen”
-they deny that anything occurred at all
- lasts until intentional bodies produce evidence that it did occur
what is the states second reaction?
“it’s not how it looks”
-once such evidence is provided , the next stage is often to question a particular version of events
- instead of claiming that others carried out the atrocity or the evidence pointed to something rather different occurring
what is the states third reaction?
“it had to be this way”
-the final stage of the spiral of denial is to admit that the abuse occurred but to justify it
-suggest it’s the victims fault or there was no other way.
what state crimes are an example of spiral of denial
-china denied concentration camps but claimed it was school for criminals and terrorists when found out but acc people were being tortured.