Conversation with Prof. Shadd Maruna

Conversations with Criminologists

Professor. Shadd Maruna is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queens University Belfast.

Episode Abstract:

Criminology, while informed by a core canon of work, is best described as a multidisciplinary project and in the words of Prof Maruna attracts academic magpies who choose the relevant pieces from diverse research areas and draw them together to inform their work. However, while the diversity of the people who do criminology is a central element of the field, Shadd points out that his academic home is very much amongst those individuals who, regardless of their backgrounds see themselves as criminologists; it is this unique nature of criminology that is a key strength of the field. And linked to the necessary lack of boundaries in the discipline is the importance of the multiple audiences for criminological research. Like other authors who speak of the need for criminology to inform not serve the state, Shadd points out that we must ensure our research reaches those who need it, in a manner that is both accessible and translatable. Finally, Prof Maruna references the importance of all voices in criminological work, and how as criminologists, we need to amplify, include and encourage the voices of those bout whom we speak.