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Queering State Crime Theory: The State, Civil Society and Marginalization

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Abstract

This article argues that criminology desperately needs to look at the ways in which states marginalize and persecute lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer (LGBTQ) identities. It critically examines the ways in which states reproduce hegemonic dictates that privilege those who adhere to gendered heterosexual norms over all others. This article further considers how the application of state crime theories, in particular Michalowski’s (State crime in the global age, pp. 13–30, Devon, Willan, 2010) tripartite framework, might further foreground the responsibility of the state in protecting LGBTQ identities. Examples of how this framework could be applied are given, with the case study of criminalization of same sex relations being focused on in depth. The article concludes by positing four key points to be considered in any analysis that attempts to critique the role of the state in the perpetuation of heterosexual hegemony.

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Notes

  1. This terminology has been chosen largely because it is the most inclusive and straightforward to use. However it should be noted that such terms can be critiqued for further contributing to the categorization of identities. For example, see Waites (2009).

  2. ‘Same sex relations’ is used in this article broadly to apply to sexual activity with someone of the same sex. However, it should be noted that while legal regulation nominally applies to only sexual activity, in reality it is used to target people who are assumed to be engaging in it.

  3. This article relies on both of the definitions of civil society elaborated on by Green and Ward (2012). “Civil Society I” sees civil society acting with and aiding state democratic processes and helps to engage citizens in decision making—a strong civil society in this context has less repression and corruption. “Civil Society II” sees civil society as distinct from the state apparatus and because of this, able to produce resistance to illegitimate state actions.

  4. Russian Speaking American LGBT Organization.

  5. This includes the lack of access to sex reassignment surgery, barriers related to the provision of care for HIV/AIDS and more generally, the barriers in accessing appropriate and respectful healthcare (Amnesty International 2008; Spade 2010).

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  1. Institute of Criminology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

    Cara Gledhill

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  1. Cara Gledhill
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Correspondence to Cara Gledhill.

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Gledhill, C. Queering State Crime Theory: The State, Civil Society and Marginalization. Crit Crim 22, 127–138 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-013-9229-9

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