The science and politics of reducing child victimization

Abstract

Criminologists and other social scientists who seek to use science in an effort to reduce child victimization do so in a cultural environment in which alternative images and constructions of child victimization are paramount. Here, the author explores recent transformations in the field of child victimization research and the relevance of these changes for practitioners and scientists who wish to engage in the politics of child advocacy. The article is centered around two case studies: one focused on how the field is being transformed by new developments in crime measurement and research instruments and a second considering how contemporary social theory is enabling researchers to better comprehend the complexity of children's lives. © 2008 Sage Publications.