Entering Without Breaking: Challenges and Strategies of the Qualitative Criminologist Investigating Carceral Spaces

Authors

Anaïs Tschanz, French National Correctional Administration Academy

Abstract

"Although qualitative methodology courses in criminology make it possible to gain theoretical and practical training in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data gathered using qualitative tools, these more rarely help address more targeted questions and concerns. Without making any claim to offer definitive solutions beyond the status of “tip,” this article attempts to tackle “things they don't really teach you how to handle in your qualitative methodology class,” concerning research in a carceral environment. By characterising carceral space as an opaque, all-encompassing environment pervaded by spatiotemporal constraints, it describes strategies that can be implemented in the face of organisational, relational or emotional obstacles, based on my experience conducting prison research. Ultimately, it encourages qualitative criminologists to show flexibility and open themselves to the unexpected, so that the scope of their research is not restricted by technical constraints."

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Tschanz, Anaïs (2022) "Entering Without Breaking: Challenges and Strategies of the Qualitative Criminologist Investigating Carceral Spaces," Qualitative Criminology (QC): Vol. 11: No. 4, Article 5.
Available at: https://dc.swosu.edu/qc/vol11/iss4/5