"Move Over!": Making Space for Lived Experience Criminology in Australia

• In Event: Convict Criminology Across Spaces

Abstract

This paper advocates for the integration of lived experiences in criminology, noting its slower adoption compared to other fields. It points out the disparity in the recognition of lived experiences between the United States - where convict criminology is more established, and Australia. The authors call for a shift from convict to lived experience criminology in Australia, emphasising the need for diverse methodologies beyond autoethnography. The paper discusses the challenges individuals with lived prison and/or criminal justice sanction experience (LPCJSE) face in gaining academic recognition and criticises the academic community's hesitance to accept them as equals. It stresses the significance of lived experiences in deepening the understanding of the social and emotional aspects of crime and justice. Integrating these narratives into criminology is argued to challenge traditional epistemological frameworks, leading to more holistic and empathetic research and policy-making. The authors advocate for redefining criminological expertise to value experience equally with academic qualifications and call for academic support for the development of lived experience criminology. This is seen as crucial for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of criminality, urging criminologists to embrace and develop this transformative subfield.

Authors

• Dwayne Antojado, University of Melbourne

• Tina McPhee, University of New South Wales