Applying Systematic Social Observation in Studying Crime and Social Control in China

• In Event: Applying Advanced Methods to Study Crime and Criminal Justice Issues in Asian Societies

Abstract

Systematic social observation (SSO) can generate unique data in social sciences. However, its application in criminology is underdeveloped. This is particularly the case in China. Over the past 15 years, I have tried to apply SSO in various research projects in studying crime and social control in China. In this paper, using the examples of observing police law enforcement on unauthorized rickshaw drivers, the para-police crackdown on street vendors, policing posters and banners as well as crime solicitation posters on the street, I reflect on opportunities and challenges in using SSO in studying crime and social control in China. I will particularly reflect on how the data generated from SSO can be integrated with the data collected through surveys, interviews, participant observation and content analysis of media news reports, and how multiple sources of data can supplement and triangulate each other to increase the rigorousness of a research project.

Author

• Jianhua Xu, University of Macau