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Engineering Vengeful Effervescence: Lynching Rituals and Religious–Political Power in Pakistan

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  • Muhammad Asif
  • Don Weenink
  • Peter Mascini

Abstract

Based on case studies of seven (attempted) lynchings in Pakistan, we argue that they can be considered lynching rituals, which are instrumental in a context of political strife. ‘Shrpsnd anasr’ (agitators) play an important role as ritual engineers; they assemble crowds by spreading rumours and vocalizing accusations, use rhythmic chanting and slogan repetition to generate a shared vengeful mood and focus the crowd’s attention on the (fabricated) encroachment of a moral imperative (notably blasphemy). We conclude that the vengeful effervescence generated in lynching rituals strengthens the clientelistic interdependency networks of religious–political leaders. The contribution of our study lies in demonstrating the importance of bodily practices in lynching rituals and their instrumental political value for both masses and political leaders.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Asif & Don Weenink & Peter Mascini, 2023. "Engineering Vengeful Effervescence: Lynching Rituals and Religious–Political Power in Pakistan," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 63(6), pages 1441-1459.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:crimin:v:63:y:2023:i:6:p:1441-1459.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/bjc/azac106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amy Louise Wood, 2018. "The Spectacle of Lynching: Rituals of White Supremacy in the Jim Crow South," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 77(3-4), pages 757-788, May.
    2. Gilles Favarel-Garrigues, 2021. "‘Vigilante Shows’ and Law Enforcement in Russia," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 73(1), pages 221-242, January.
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