Convict criminology in Russian discourse

Abstract

The article problematizes the status of domestic criminology of convicts in research and practical contexts, reflects the peculiarities of development of this discipline in its founding countries. It is said that Russia has a diverse experience of participation of former convicts in the study and reform of the institution of prison. It is suggested that the generalization of the practices of participation of convicts and former convicts in the study and reform of correctional institutions in Russia will contribute to the institutionalization of criminology of convicts in the Russian discourse. When determining research methods for the purposes of criminology of convicts, emphasis is placed on qualitative research. The possibilities of an autoethnographic approach in the study of correctional institutions are considered, with the inclusion of convicts and former convicts themselves as actors in this process. The possibility and necessity of discussing the regulatory grounds for the participation of convicts and former convicts in educational and research activities is problematized.