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Student motivations for studying criminology: A narrative inquiry

Griffiths, Clare; Trebilcock, Julie

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Authors

Julie Trebilcock



Abstract

The number of students studying criminology at university has significantly increased. Yet, criminology students have been all but ignored in research, despite being key stakeholders and ambassadors in the criminological enterprise. Drawing on the analysis of twelve in-depth interviews, we explore why students are motivated to study criminology and how these motivations are linked to their past experiences and future aspirations. Using a narrative inquiry, three types of stories emerged through our analysis: stories about (1) building on existing interests; (2) understanding the 'self'; and (3) securing 'justice' and ‘helping’ others. The stories students tell about their exposure to ‘crime’ help motivate their decision to study criminology, while their engagement with the discipline, enables them to make sense of these previous experiences and of themselves.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 22, 2021
Publication Date Feb 22, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Criminology and Criminal Justice
Print ISSN 1748-8958
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 22
Issue 3
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1748895821993843
Keywords university, study, biography, identities, public criminology, narrative criminology
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1177/1748895821993843

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