Unpacking the social construction of blame: A qualitative exploration of race, place, and victimhood in the aftermath of George Floyd's death

Abstract

Recognized as a prominent social phenomenon in the aftermath of homicide and death after police contact (DAPC), the social construction of blame (SCB) underscores how race and class are the primary forces that shape the experience of loss for families, but also designates blame on the victim. In this sense, victimhood is socially constructed, leading to instances where blame is apportioned to victims for their demise, at times, not stemming from their actions but instead rooted in the perceived moral value of the deceased individual. Drawing from this work, the current qualitative study seeks to understand the effect of DAPC has on neighbourhoods and the perspectives of residents who live in and near the communities where DAPC occurs. Using data collected from 41 young adults from various ethnic-racial backgrounds and numerous parts of Minnesota—including the Minneapolis metropolitan area and adjacent suburbs, participants shared their understanding of the factors contributing to the SCB in the aftermath of George Floyd's death. Findings revealed two factors that contributed to the social construction of blame: (1) Attributions of Cause (e.g., race-coding) and (2) Designations of Blame as identified by the participants. This research underscores the intricate connection of societal factors, like race and place in shaping the construction of blame and victimhood after tragedies like George Floyd's death.