It’s About: Uncovering Unfair Laws
Among the publications in this special issue, one is a groundbreaking study by Dr. Krittiya Kantachote, a Thai sociologist, that sheds light on the concept of legal violence and its impact on minority communities in the United States.
Drawing from 30 interviews with Thai massage business owners in Los Angeles, Dr. Kantachote uncovers how local and federal regulations regarding massage businesses perpetuate legal violence. The study employs Crenshaw’s intersectionality framework to demonstrate how Thai women’s race, ethnicity, and gender intersect to shape their experiences in navigating state regulations. Specifically, the analysis focuses on government surveillance of Thai massage operations and the enforcement of professional certification, revealing the deep-rooted challenges faced by Thai business owners and therapists.
The findings of this study challenge previous notions of legal violence, which have often been linked solely to immigration law.
The findings of this study challenge previous notions of legal violence, which have often been linked solely to immigration law. By expanding the concept to include a broader range of situations, the study underscores the comprehensive nature of legal violence and its impact on both undocumented immigrants and legal residents. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for scholars to explore and understand the complexities of legal violence across diverse contexts, including the insidious phenomenon of policy weaponization.
Furthermore, the study offers two policy recommendations aimed at benefiting the Thai community and creating more just laws. Firstly, it proposes establishing a contact channel for massage business owners to report suspected sexual conduct, facilitating fair investigations and promoting sex-free massage establishments. Secondly, it advocates for making massage certification exams available in Thai, addressing language barriers faced by Thai massage therapists and promoting equal opportunities for certification.
This paper not only contributes to our understanding of legal violence but also offers practical solutions to address the challenges faced by Thai massage businesses in Los Angeles.
This paper not only contributes to our understanding of legal violence but also offers practical solutions to address the challenges faced by Thai massage businesses in Los Angeles. Its insights have the potential to inform policy decisions and promote social justice within the Thai community and beyond. As the global discourse on legal violence continues to evolve, this study serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect under the law.
Note: This series highlights articles from the recently published special issue of Frontiers in Psychology, “Power, Discrimination, and Privilege in Individuals and Institutions,” edited by Sonya Faber, Monnica T. Williams, Matthew D. Skinta, and Bia Labate.
Kantachote, Krittiya. (2024). Legal violence: the struggles of Thai women in Thai massage businesses. Frontiers in Psychology 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1208465
Art by Trey Brasher.
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