Conversation with Dr Deirdre Healy

Conversations with Criminologists

Marginalised voices and criminological research; A conversation with Dr Deirdre Healy

Attending to real world problems and the relief of significant social issues is a theme that runs across the chapters in this volume, for Deirdre Healy it is no different. In this chapter she emphasises her own interest in Criminology was led by a desire to see the application of academic knowledge to prison and probation issues. Seeking a solutions led approach, influenced by both forensic psychology and criminology, Deirdre recognised the importance of having those individuals who directly experienced the criminal justice system contribute to how we might imagine change in this field. Attending to the voices of those who are marginalised in society was a key issue for Deirdre’s research and she discusses how giving space so that all individuals are heard in society, but also that society listens to these voices is vital. Theoretical concepts that inform Deirdre’s work such as recidivism, dehumanisation, othering and social identity are discussed in this chapter. Deirdre traces her academic journey from its psychological origins and documents the influence of key authors on her work. In this chapter she also speaks about new methods in researching criminology and how innovative qualitative methods serve the discipline.