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Qualitative Research and Intersectionality

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Abstract

Much of the extant criminological literature on the relationships between race, class, gender, and crime has treated these demographic characteristics as isolated, independent variables. More recent theorizing has called our attention to fact that these constructs are not autonomous. Instead, people’s identity lies at the intersection of race, class, and gender and it is the combination of these constructs that often shapes people’s experiences with the criminal justice system and other social structures. It is well-documented, however, that purely quantitative methodologies are not well suited to studying intersecionality. The findings of qualitative research have lent a greater understanding to the intersection of race, class, gender, and crime. The appropriateness of certain methodological frameworks and the thematic contributions of qualitative research to intersectionality are discussed.

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Notes

  1. For a detailed review of thematic analysis, see Braun and Clarke (2006).

  2. Braun and Clarke (2006:93) suggest “choos[ing] particularly vivid examples which capture the essence of the point you are demonstrating, without unnecessary complexity.”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Texas, 273K, Chilton Hall, 1155 Union Circle #305130, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA

    Adam Trahan

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  1. Adam Trahan
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Correspondence to Adam Trahan.

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Trahan, A. Qualitative Research and Intersectionality. Crit Crim 19, 1–14 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-010-9101-0

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