Researching Prisons provides an overview of the processes, practices, and challenges involved in undertaking prison research. The chapters look at the different practical, theoretical, and emotional considerations required at the various stages of the research process, drawing on the reflections and challenges experienced by over 40 other prison researchers both in England and Wales, and across the world.
After introducing the rationale for prison research, its methodological and critical context, and covering basic practicalities, this book offers a range of tips and tricks for the prison researcher. It covers key topics such as ethics, the process of choosing methods, and looks at researching prisons around the world. It provides an overview of the key elements when undertaking a piece of prison research from start to completion, and draws on the experiences of a broad selection of global prison researchers. In doing so, it acts as a guide to those working in prison research and brings the prison research community to them.
It is essential reading for students engaged with prison research methods and for early career researchers.
Acknowledgments
Contributors
1 Introduction
2 The Landscape of Prison Research
3 Doing Prison Research: Practicalities
4 Doing Prison Research: Tips and Tricks
Jennifer Anne Rainbow and Serena Wright
5 The Ethics and Ethicality of Prison Research
6 Choosing Methods
7 Choosing Participants
8 Prison Research across the Globe
9 Challenges and ‘Conclusions’
Appendix: Prison Research Checklist
Index
Biography
Jennifer Anne Rainbow is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University.
