Critical Prison Research and University Research Ethics Boards

Homogenization of Inquiry and Policing of Carceral Knowledge

Autores

  • Gillian Balfour Trent University
  • Joane Martel Université Laval

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-0931

Palavras-chave:

Canada, critical research, Indigenous, prison, research ethics

Resumo

This article illustrates how authoritative regulatory practices that research ethics boards may deploy when assessing non-traditional social research may pave the way to a homogenization of inquiry and forms of policing of knowledge. The authors sought institutional ethics clearance from multiple research ethics boards in the case of a critically-oriented participatory action-based study with formerly incarcerated persons in Canada. Evidence is provided from two case studies. Two unexpected challenges were encountered from research ethics board members. The first challenge was related to the board’s stereotypical bias about the violent potential of former prisoners (as co-researchers and participants). The second challenge was related to an overly cautious interpretation of federal ethical guidelines leading to the exclusion of Indigenous peoples from the project. Both challenges have in common that they point to research ethics boards’ possible role in the policing of knowledge which may jeopardize researchers’ ability to engage in critical scholarship.

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Biografia do Autor

Gillian Balfour, Trent University

Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Sociology
Trent University
Peterborough, ON, CANADA

Joane Martel, Université Laval

Full Professor of Criminology
School of Social Work
Laval University
Québec City, QC, CANADA

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Publicado

2018-06-01

Como Citar

Balfour, G. e Martel, J. (2018) “Critical Prison Research and University Research Ethics Boards: Homogenization of Inquiry and Policing of Carceral Knowledge”, Oñati Socio-Legal Series, 8(2), p. 225–246. doi: 10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-0931.