Paradoxical subjectivities: Hardened and reflective selves in the prison environment The hierarchical power relations which infuse all elements of the prison environment throw up considerable challenges for conducting qualitative research. Classic studies of incarceration, including Goffman (1961) and Foucault (1977) have highlighted the operation of power, status and stigma in secure settings. In Goffman's (1961) influential account of the 'total institution', he argued that stigmatised status is fostered through formal degradation ceremonies such as court proceedings, with inmates stereotyped as 'generically criminal'. Once confined, it is argued that prisoner's encounters become structured by forms of systemic power which positions them, via sentence plans or psychologist reports, as uncomfortably visible, examinable and correctable (Foucault, 1977). The acute and intimate level of surveillance and control enforced within the prison environment has also been argued to create a barrier to authenticity and emotional expression (Crewe et al, 2013). This in turn effects relationships between inmates and staff, as well as the perceived security of the environment from both sides, creating a climate which Hobbes (1999) termed as 'diffidence' or one of generalised mistrust and wariness. These elements of the prison environment have significant implications for research. Lack of trust, and a familiarity with reproducing 'enforced' narratives can impact on establishing rapport with participants (Bosworth, Campbell, Ferranti & Santos, 2005), as well as potentially interfering with any attempts to rebalance power in the research process (see Reavey, 2011). In such a context it could be expected that individuals participating in qualitative research would be willing to only disclose certain aspects of their story. This paper will explore the possibilities of using already existent arts practice, specifically poetry, within the hierarchical environment of prison. We will explore some potential contributions of

This article explores the ways in which creative, multimodal methods are well-suited to research with groups holding multifaceted roles within complex systems. The potential benefits of using imaginative methods in qualitative inquiry will be discussed in relation to the participants, organisation and researcher. The first author’s ongoing doctoral project is discussed, which employs a creative, multimodal method combining vlogs and interviews for data collection to explore prison officers’ (POs) emotional experiences of their complex work roles. The PO role is multifaceted and requires the balancing of competing demands, such as discipline and rehabilitation, within the complex prison environment. Given the intricacies of the PO role and prison system, the question of why multimodal methods are particularly well-suited to research with this group shall be explored. The article will begin with an overview of the complexities of the PO experience, and then consider how multimodal methods might address these multiplicities.