Didier Fassin and Richard Rechtman, The Empire of Trauma: An Inquiry into the Condition of Victimhood (original) (raw)

The Empire of Trauma examines the evolution of the concept of trauma from a clinical understanding linked to PTSD to a broader, culturally pervasive metaphor for collective suffering. By analyzing multiple organizational contexts and historical developments, the authors highlight how trauma serves as a moral category in contemporary society, shaping perceptions of victimhood and justice. The work critiques the limitations and implications of trauma narratives, demonstrating that these narratives can reinforce social hierarchies and overshadow complex individual experiences.