PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

How can local communities deal with hate crimes? The article argues that the traditional focus on the offender and on the reactions of the criminal-justice system neglects the deeper roots of hate crimes. These roots are seen in a relatively widespread sympathy for racist and inhuman propaganda. Thus, a promising prevention approach to hate crimes must include the strengthening of democratic and humanistic norms and values. For the discussion of this issue, the notion of positive general prevention is employed. A theoretical model based on qualitative research in two East-German towns names relevant preconditions for positive general prevention. Important aspects like the framing of the problem and the establishment of an effective cooperation network are discussed in detail.