Looking Forward: The Path Ahead…

a message from new Chair Esmorie Miller

As #HCNet moves forward, it is worth remarking that this can best be guided by footprints firmly established, thus far. Over the past few years, for instance, our increased membership has inevitably enriched our events as the diversity of topics presented offered some clarity on the diverse paths historical criminology can take. Examples include a broad concern with historicization, to more specific thematic explorations on areas like decolonization and indigenization of knowledge and practice. Thus, the network’s move forward into the next phase, so to speak, seems best guided by what members want.

 

I use this question as my starting point to emphasize what can be gained from a historical approach, in general, and historical criminology, more specifically. What do members want? The notably growing receptivity to historical criminology has manifested, thus far, in two identifiable areas: the first concerns pedagogy—how to normalize and integrate historical criminology, in the classroom; meanwhile, the second concerns epistemological—how to normalize and integrate historical methods, in criminological research.

 

Listening to colleagues, in recent events, has helped to give a sense to us all of how we might approach developing and concretizing our individual approaches. Listening has contributed greatly, giving more clarity (with much room to grow) about how to move from ambition to practice. The possibilities for concretization have become more probable as #HCNet forms wider contacts with other historical networks and members have the possibility for discussing and sharing ideas and approaches.

 

More of this is anticipated. I look forward to continuing rich and diverse interaction. Thank you for having me onboard.

 

Esmorie Miller (London South Bank University)

T. Cook after W. Hogarth, A courtroom scene with a judge, a pregnant woman, a guilty looking man and an angry wife. CC BY 4.0 Wellcome Collection no 28655i via Look & Learn