CrimNet Reading Group

The next CrimNet reading group will be held on Tuesday 11 July 2017, meeting at the J B Morrell Library Cafe (University of York)

The Reading for discussion will be 1997 article 'Criminological verstehen: Inside the immediacy of crime' by Jeff Ferrell (Northern Arizona University).

Abstract: Many past and present studies in criminology have developed out of engaged and often illegal field research—that is, field research in which the researcher of necessity crosses over into the world of criminality. Contemporary reevaluations of methodology, and specifically the role of the researcher in the research process, provide a framework for exploring anew the implications of such field research. In addition, a variety of contemporary criminological studies highlight the importance of the meanings and emotions that emerge inside criminal events, and thus confirm the need for methodologies that can situate researchers to some degree inside illegality. Drawing on Weber's notion of verstehen, this essay proposes one such situated methodology: criminological verstehen. It concludes by suggesting broader applications of this methodology in present and future criminal and criminal justice research situations.

Full Citation: Jeff Ferrell (1997) 'Criminological verstehen: Inside the immediacy of crime'. In: Justice Quarterly 14(1): pp. 3-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07418829700093201

You can download this article from Taylor & Francis Online here. 

If you are interested in attending this event please contact Carol on the email address below.