Navigating changing contexts: People, policy, and practice in tumultuous times

Abstract

American Society of Criminology (ASC) President Valerie Jenness delivered the 2024 Presidential Address on the theme of “Navigating Changing Contexts: People, Policy, and Practice in Tumultuous Times.” In this address, President Jenness focused on the profound impact of external contexts on criminological research, policy, and practice. Highlighting her research on the sexual victimization of transgender women in men’s prisons and recent policy that enables transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people in prison to be housed in a prison that aligns with their gender identity (The Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act (often called “SB 132” and “TRADA”), President Jenness underscored the significance of context in achieving research success or failure, with the latter conditioned by a turbulent political climate in a “post-truth” society. The context in which research is undertaken can be plagued by misinformation, political polarization, the erosion of trust in science, and declining confidence in higher education. President Jenness calls for renewed efforts to proactively create supportive contexts for criminological research and education.