Reflexivity in correctional research: Researcher perspectives on parenthood in a study with incarcerated parents

Rossiter, C; Power, T; Fowler, C; Elliott, K; Dawson, A

Reflexivity in correctional research: Researcher perspectives on parenthood in a study with incarcerated parents

Rossiter, C

Power, T

Fowler, C

Elliott, K Dawson, A

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Qualitative Social Work, 2020, 19 (1), pp. 56 - 74
Issue Date:: 2020-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Rossiter, C https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3833-3076	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Power, T https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3334-0322	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Fowler, C https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7838-8434	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Elliott, K	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Dawson, A https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0926-2202	en_US
dc.date.available	2020-05-25T19:21:43Z
dc.date.issued	2020-01-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Qualitative Social Work, 2020, 19 (1), pp. 56 - 74	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1473-3250	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/126298
dc.description.abstract	© The Author(s) 2018. As incarceration rates rise worldwide, increasing numbers of parents are separated from their children. Researchers have studied the psychosocial impact on inmates and their families extensively. However, few researchers have examined how their own perspectives affect the collection and interpretation of data, specifically about parenting in correctional settings. This paper consider methodological implications of conducting research with incarcerated mothers and fathers, employing critical reflexivity to explore researchers’ individual and collective experiences in a study in Australian correctional facilities. Using ourselves as informants, we examine how the context and life experiences of ‘researcher’ and ‘researched’ interact during interviews in a unique and emotionally charged environment. Correctional research requires careful adaptations to collect meaningful data from inmates and recognise their vulnerability as parents. The emotional content of interviews also has implications for analysing and interpreting research data. Our focus on interviewees as mothers and fathers, rather than as offenders, generated greater understanding of the needs of parents in custody. Recognising researchers’ feelings, experiences and perspectives on parenthood can enrich research with families affected by the criminal justice and child protection systems. These insights can also inform the understanding and practice of social workers, health practitioners, educators and students who work with marginalised parents and children.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Qualitative Social Work	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1177/1473325018791351	en_US
dc.title	Reflexivity in correctional research: Researcher perspectives on parenthood in a study with incarcerated parents	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	19	en_US
utslib.for	1606 Political Science	en_US
utslib.for	1607 Social Work	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Nursing
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - WHO CC
utslib.copyright.status	open_access
pubs.issue	1	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	19	en_US

Abstract:

© The Author(s) 2018. As incarceration rates rise worldwide, increasing numbers of parents are separated from their children. Researchers have studied the psychosocial impact on inmates and their families extensively. However, few researchers have examined how their own perspectives affect the collection and interpretation of data, specifically about parenting in correctional settings. This paper consider methodological implications of conducting research with incarcerated mothers and fathers, employing critical reflexivity to explore researchers’ individual and collective experiences in a study in Australian correctional facilities. Using ourselves as informants, we examine how the context and life experiences of ‘researcher’ and ‘researched’ interact during interviews in a unique and emotionally charged environment. Correctional research requires careful adaptations to collect meaningful data from inmates and recognise their vulnerability as parents. The emotional content of interviews also has implications for analysing and interpreting research data. Our focus on interviewees as mothers and fathers, rather than as offenders, generated greater understanding of the needs of parents in custody. Recognising researchers’ feelings, experiences and perspectives on parenthood can enrich research with families affected by the criminal justice and child protection systems. These insights can also inform the understanding and practice of social workers, health practitioners, educators and students who work with marginalised parents and children.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/126298