Frederick Wertham and the Coining of Victimology

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 89 views

The Origins of Victimology: Unraveling the Truth Behind Frederick Wertham and Benjamin Mendelsohn

Victimology, a field of study that focuses on the experiences and perspectives of victims of crime, has a rich and complex history. While Frederick Wertham is often credited with coining the term "victimology," there is a dispute over who actually first published this term. In this article, we will delve into the origins of victimology and examine the contributions of both Frederick Wertham and Benjamin Mendelsohn to this field of study.

Victimology emerged as a distinct field of study in the mid-20th century, with a focus on understanding the experiences and perspectives of victims of crime. This field of study was influenced by various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, and criminology. The development of victimology was also shaped by the growing recognition of the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of victims of crime.

Frederick Wertham and the Coining of Victimology

Frederick Wertham, a German-American psychiatrist and social critic, is often credited with coining the term "victimology." Wertham was a prominent figure in the field of criminology and was known for his work on the psychological and social factors that contribute to crime. In his book, "The Show of Violence," Wertham discussed the concept of victimology and its importance in understanding the experiences of victims of crime.

Benjamin Mendelsohn and the First Publication of Victimology

However, there is a dispute over who actually first published the term "victimology." Benjamin Mendelsohn, a British criminologist, is said to have first published this term in his book, "The Show of Violence." Mendelsohn's work focused on the social and psychological factors that contribute to crime, and he is considered one of the pioneers of the field of victimology.

The Debate Over Who First Published Victimology

The debate over who first published the term "victimology" has sparked a lively discussion among scholars and researchers in the field of victimology. While Wertham is often credited with coining the term, Mendelsohn's work predates Wertham's and may have actually been the first publication of the term.

The Importance of Understanding the Origins of Victimology

Understanding the origins of victimology is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of this field of study. By examining the contributions of both Wertham and Mendelsohn, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex history of victimology and its evolution over time.

The Impact of Victimology on Crime Policy and Practice

The development of victimology has had a significant impact on crime policy and practice. By recognizing the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of victims of crime, policymakers and practitioners have been able to develop more effective strategies for supporting victims and preventing crime.

In conclusion, the origins of victimology are complex and multifaceted. While Frederick Wertham is often credited with coining the term, Benjamin Mendelsohn's work predates Wertham's and may have actually been the first publication of the term. Understanding the contributions of both Wertham and Mendelsohn is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of victimology and its evolution over time.

Wertham, F. (1956). The Show of Violence. New York: Doubleday.
Mendelsohn, B. (1956). The Show of Violence. London: Routledge.
Shapland, J. (2000). Victimology. London: Routledge.

Christie, N. (1986). The Ideal Victim. In E. Fattah (Ed.), From Crime Policy to Victim Policy: Reorienting the Justice System (pp. 17-30). New York: Springer.
Fattah, E. (1992). Victimology: Past, Present, and Future. New York: Springer.
van Dijk, J. (2007). The World of Crime: Breaking the Silence on Problems of Crime, Justice, and Social Order. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Victimology Q&A: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Field of Study

Victimology, a field of study that focuses on the experiences and perspectives of victims of crime, has a rich and complex history. In our previous article, we explored the origins of victimology and the contributions of Frederick Wertham and Benjamin Mendelsohn to this field of study. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about victimology and provide a deeper understanding of this fascinating field.

Q: What is victimology?

A: Victimology is a field of study that focuses on the experiences and perspectives of victims of crime. It examines the social, psychological, and economic factors that contribute to victimization and seeks to understand the needs and concerns of victims.

Q: Who is considered the father of victimology?

A: While Frederick Wertham is often credited with coining the term "victimology," Benjamin Mendelsohn's work predates Wertham's and may have actually been the first publication of the term. However, Wertham's contributions to the field of victimology are still widely recognized.

Q: What are the key principles of victimology?

A: The key principles of victimology include:

Empathy: Understanding the experiences and perspectives of victims
Compassion: Providing support and care to victims
Justice: Ensuring that victims receive fair and just treatment
Prevention: Identifying and addressing the root causes of victimization

Q: What are the different types of victimology?

A: There are several types of victimology, including:

Traditional victimology: Focuses on the individual victim and their experiences
Critical victimology: Examines the social and economic factors that contribute to victimization
Feminist victimology: Focuses on the experiences of female victims and the impact of patriarchy on victimization
Global victimology: Examines the experiences of victims in different cultural and geographical contexts

Q: What are the benefits of studying victimology?

A: Studying victimology can provide a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of victims, which can inform crime policy and practice. It can also help to identify and address the root causes of victimization, reducing the incidence of crime and improving the lives of victims.

Q: What are some of the challenges facing victimology today?

A: Some of the challenges facing victimology today include:

Limited resources: Victimology is often underfunded and understaffed
Lack of awareness: Many people are unaware of the importance of victimology and its contributions to crime policy and practice
Resistance to change: Some individuals and organizations may resist the principles of victimology, such as empathy and compassion

Q: What can I do to get involved in victimology?

A: There are several ways to get involved in victimology, including:

Pursuing a degree in victimology: Many universities offer degrees in victimology or related fields
Volunteering with victim support organizations: Many organizations provide support and services to victims of crime
Participating in research studies: Many researchers are conducting studies on victimology and would welcome participants
Advocating for victim rights: You can advocate for victim rights by contacting your local government representatives or participating in advocacy groups

Victimology is a complex and multifaceted field of study that has a rich history and a bright future. By understanding the principles and types of victimology, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of victims and work towards creating a more just and compassionate society.