Qualitative Criminology (QC)
Abstract
Much criminal violence arises from conflict and is moralistic. The perpetrator is punishing someone for a perceived wrong. Liability refers to accountability for a wrong: Who exactly has to suffer punishment? Here I argue that violence arising from infidelity and sexual jealousy is a strategic research site for studying liability. When these matters trigger lethal violence, there is variation in who the perpetrator targets. Using detailed descriptions of US homicides, as well as the cross-cultural ethnographic literature, I describe and classify three patterns of liability: mate, rival, and dual. I conclude by suggesting sociological factors relevant to explaining these patterns and thus explaining patterns of violence.
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Recommended Citation
Manning, Jason
(2023)
"Infidelity, Liability, and Violence,"
Qualitative Criminology (QC): Vol. 12:
No.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://dc.swosu.edu/qc/vol12/iss1/4
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