Criminology, Representation and The Lived Experience Scholar

• In Event: Convict Criminology Across Spaces

Abstract

We examine the shift in criminology towards including lived experience narratives, emphasizing a move to a more inclusive and experiential approach. This involves scholars with personal criminal justice system (CJS) experiences contributing significantly to the field, through convict criminology and lived experience criminology, focusing on insights from those directly impacted by the CJS. Incorporating lived experiences enriches research and practice, leading to empathetic policies and interventions. Yet, there's a gap in literature on the representational dynamics within this paradigm, particularly the socio-demographic makeup of contributors. Using Hanna Pitkin’s theories on representation, we evaluate the symbolic and substantive representation of lived experience narratives. Despite not fully representing demographic diversity of those impacted by the CJS, these narratives offer essential insights beyond demographic matching. We advocate for criminology to embrace diverse voices, addressing power dynamics, and promoting engagement between academic and experiential knowledge for meaningful systemic reform. Engaging with lived experiences is crucial for a more equitable and just CJS.

Authors

• Dwayne Antojado, University of Melbourne

• Jessica Budd, Griffith University

• Caroline Doyle, University of New South Wales - Canberra

• Lorana Bartels, Australian National University