Ethnography and Emotions. The Myth of the Cold and Objective Scientist

Qualitative research in general, and ethnographic research in particular, can engender an emotional impact on research subjects as well as on the researcher. Criminological literature however largely ignores the emotional dimension of ethnographic research. With this article we hope to open debate on the topic. This contribution draws on our own research experience. More specifically it is focused on the emotional aspects of ethnographic research in prison. Inspired by sociological, feminist and anthropological literature we explore how such emotional encounters can be managed. The recognition of emotions in ethnographic research has clear advantages for the research process. For this reason we plead for a research culture where emotional aspects of ethnographic research are not only recognised but integrated in the output as well.

ISBN:978-90-5718-263-1

Publication year:2013

Keywords:ethnographic research, emotions, criminological research