On Researching Harm: An Ultra-Realist Perspective

In this chapter, the author argues that an antidote to the partial paralysis pervading the study of harm might be found in developing a more integrated approach between criminology and zemiology. Towards this end, the chapter outlines the emergent paradigm of ultra-realism and introduces it as a mediating third. In doing so, a number of salient obstacles that have hitherto served to problematise research on harm are discussed. With a view towards the potential implications for a less harmful society, the chapter considers the politics of harm and argues for the abandonment of reformist critique in favour of a return to depth critique. Finally, the chapter concludes on the potential of researching harm from an ultra-realist perspective.