Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Student motivations for studying criminology: A narrative inquiry

Griffiths, Clare; Trebilcock, Julie

Student motivations for studying criminology: A narrative inquiry Thumbnail


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.

Citation

Griffiths, C., & Trebilcock, J. (2021). Student motivations for studying criminology: A narrative inquiry. Criminology and Criminal Justice, 22(3), https://doi.org/10.1177/1748895821993843

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 22, 2021
Publication Date Feb 22, 2021
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

Files







You might also like



Downloadable Citations