The growth in popularity of qualitative research in the social sciences over the last two decades has been nothing
short of amazing. Qualitative Approaches to Criminal Justice: Perspectives from the Field reveals some of the reasons
for the success and stature of this unique methodological approach.
Exploring the real life experiences of criminal justice professionals, this anthology is the first book to focus
solely on the use of qualitative research in various components of the criminal justice system. The collection
is organized from two criminal justice perspectives: one qualitatively oriented and the other system oriented,
including overviews of each qualitative method and commentaries that analyze the research techniques. Case studies
illustrating actual fieldwork practices bring theory vividly to life.
Qualitative Approaches to Criminal Justice: Perspectives from the Field is multi-faceted in both its content
and application. Through its investigative techniques, which rely mainly on observations, participant observation,
and open-ended interviews, qualitative research reveals parts of the social world that remain hidden to more traditional
methodological techniques.
Recommended as a companion to an administration of criminal justice course as well as courses in qualitative
research in criminal justice. Also recommended as a supplemental text for any research methods course in a criminal
justice degree program including sociology, political science, and legal studies.
Table of Contents
Preface Chapter 1: Introduction to Qualitative Methods
1. In the Field W. Shaffir & R. Stebbins
2. Participant Observation - Methodology D. Jorgensen
3. Participant Observation - Fieldwork Relations R. Emerson & M. Pollner
4. Interviews J. Spradley
5. Entering the Field J. Van Maanen
Chapter 2: The Police
6. Socialization J. Van Maanen
7. Informal Communication M. Pogrebin & E. Poole
8. Stereotyping Cases W. Waegel
9. Emotions B. Stenross & S. Kleinman
10. Undercover Work M. Pogrebin & E. Poole
11. Community Relationships R. Weisheit, L.E. Wells, & D. Falcone
12. Police Deviancy J. Hunt & P. Manning
Chapter 3: Judicial
13. Prosecutorial Decision Making L. Frohmaan
14. Defense Attorneys and Clients R. Flemming
15. Social Class Effects on Criminal Clients D. Emmelman
16. Plea Bargaining - Prosecutorial M. Heumann
17. Plea Bargaining - Defense Attorney D. Emmelman
18. Plea Bargaining - Judges' Role M. McConville & C. Mirsky
19. Stereotyping the Offender J. Rosencrance
Chapter 4: Corrections
20. Guard Research S. Stojkovic
21. Adjustment to Prison D. Schmit & R. Jones
22. Changing Climate of Prisons G. Hunt, S. Morales, & D. Waldorf
23. Women View Prison M. Pogrebin & M. Dodge
24. Sexualized Work Environment M. Pogrebin & E. Poole
25. Parole Board M. Radelet & L. Roberts
26. Inmates' View of Parole Board M. West-Smith, M. Pogrebin, & E. Poole
Chapter 5: Fieldwork Experiences in Criminal Justice: Ethical Dilemmas
27. The Moral Fix: On the Ethics of Fieldwork. J. Van Maanen
28. Female Researchers in Male-Dominated Settings. J. Neff Gurney
29. Doing Research in Prisons. J. Marquart
