Putting qualitative methodology in perspective: reflections on the relevance of fieldwork into the field of Environmental Criminology

ABSTRACT

This study reflects upon ethical issues and methodological lessons learned by the researcher in conducting fieldwork involving ‘hang-outs’ with law enforcement and gang members in a dangerous favela in Brazil. This paper also emphasizes the relevance of integrating fieldwork into the field of environmental criminological research, especially today when the in-person observation of crime settings has been challenged by the more cost-effective as well as time-effective use of cutting-edge mapping technology, particularly Google Street View. Finally, it discusses the advantages and constraints experienced by the researcher who is an insider to Brazil but is also nonetheless an outsider to the favela, and how occupying such a liminal space impacted the progress of any fieldwork regarding access to information, creating a rapport with both the police and the gang members, and dealing with the problem of conflicting information provided by both parties.

KEYWORDS:

• Gangs
• policing in favelas
• Environmental Criminology
• fieldwork
• homicides

Acknowledgments

This study would not have been possible without the support of the commander of the Military Police in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and all the participants. Special thanks to Col. Marco Antonio Bicalho for facilitating this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elenice Oliveira

Elenice Oliveira is an assistant professor in the Justice Studies Department at Montclair State University. Her research has focused on policing and crime prevention, crime opportunity and spatial analysis, and international & comparative research on crime and criminal justice.