We are proud to announce that Michèle Diotte has been awarded the prestigious Fernand Boulan Prize for her remarkable doctoral thesis titled, "Autonomy under rature: (Re)thinking sexual citizenship at the intersection of cognitive disability through the autonomy relations approach."
Michèle’s research brings together various fields, including social work, the sociology of law, criminology, and gender, sexuality, and (in)ability studies, creating a rich and multi-faceted dialogue. This breadth of perspectives encourages deeper reflection on the complexities of social realities, particularly in the context of marginalized communities. Her work provides a fresh lens on social, police, and legal interventions, helping us understand challenging situations and propose paths toward greater social justice for people experiencing (in)capacity.
Through her innovative approach to autonomy relations, Michèle breaks new ground by decompartmentalizing how we think about autonomy. Her conceptual re-reading contributes meaningfully to discussions surrounding vulnerability in both psychosocial and legal contexts. By focusing on the autonomy of marginalized and minority populations, her research drives an important conversation on empowering those who are often overlooked or misrepresented.
A key aspect of Michèle’s thesis is its contribution to the emerging field of crip criminology. By combining critical perspectives on disability with critical criminology, her work stands as a groundbreaking milestone in francophone criminology. She critically examines the role of capacitist discourses and practices within the criminal justice system, shedding light on their impact on court cases, governance, and the broader treatment of individuals considered disabled.
Furthermore, Michèle’s research adds valuable insight to the field of victimology, particularly in her exploration of the concept of the “vulnerable victim.” At a time when this notion is often used to defend victims’ rights, she challenges the conventional understanding of vulnerability. Michèle critically examines how cognitive impairment can contribute to the oversimplified framing of vulnerability, and how this framing can obscure the social, political, and relational factors that perpetuate disadvantage. Her thesis highlights the unintended consequences of constructing vulnerable victims within the criminal justice system.
Michèle Diotte’s research not only advances knowledge in these critical areas but also encourages a rethinking of how we approach vulnerability, autonomy, and justice for marginalized groups. Her contribution is truly deserving of the Fernand Boulan Prize, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her for this well-earned recognition.