Qualitative Criminology (QC)
Abstract
"Positionality is an important consideration when carrying out research. An effective tool for understanding this process is reflexivity—a continual dialogue that explores the interplay between our identities and how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted. These reflexive accounts have been used in various disciplines, including criminal justice and criminology. In advancing this important practice, we offer insight into our experiences studying a hard-to-reach population: gangs. Specifically, we document how our insider and outsider identities, as well as the space between facilitated access, were used strategically and informed our interpretations of data. We conclude by encouraging reflexivity within criminology broadly and specifically among scholars who study hard-to-reach populations like street gangs."
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Sou and Leverso, John
(2024)
"You In or Out?: Reflecting on Positionality in Gang Research,"
Qualitative Criminology (QC): Vol. 13:
No.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://dc.swosu.edu/qc/vol13/iss2/4
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