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

Abstract

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.

Bricolage as an expression of self and of cultural and familial foodways among people living in prison—‘You make what you can with anything you can get’

“…In prison research, the context and the life experience of researcher and researched interact in a unique and, at times, precarious environment (Rossiter et al., 2020). Reflexivity in discussions among researchers before, during and after fieldwork helped us recognise that food has multiple meanings beyond nutrition which are shaped in childhood, enacted in relation to others and governed by social inequalities.…”

Maternal incarceration: Impact on parent–child relationships

“…Regular informal and formal discussions were held with researchers to discuss concerns raised during the study development, collection of data and during the analysis and reporting process. These processes have been discussed elsewhere (Rossiter et al, 2020).…”

Doing Qualitative Research in a Controlled Site: Challenges, Lessons, and Strategies

“…According to Bosworth et al (2005), this demonstrates the researcher’s humanity and depicts the naturality of the research. A recent study by Rossiter et al (2020) reasons that the emotional experiences of qualitative prison researchers may influence the rigor of data collection, analysis, and presentation. They encourage researchers in this space to be more reflexive and conscious of their emotions and stresses in order to produce knowledge that is trustworthy and reliable.…”