‘I Do Not Appear to Have had Previous Letters’. The Potential and Pitfalls of Using a Qualitative Correspondence Method to Facilitate Insights Into Life in Prison During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown represents a significant challenge for qualitative researchers due to social distancing measures restricting face-to-face data collection. At the time of ethical approval (early April 2020), all face-to-face research projects facilitated by the Scottish Prison Service and most prison jurisdictions were paused. In response to these methodological challenges, a participatory action correspondence methodology was designed in order for people in custody to influence the direction of this project by suggesting research questions and themes. This article analyses the potential of this approach, what this illuminated and critically engages with the challenges of implementing this qualitative methodology. Eight participants were selected due to previous participation in a Participatory Action Research project at one Scottish prison. After consent was given via post, eight letters were sent to the participants. This paper analyses the questions relating to, and aspects of Covid-19 that were important to the participants, in the hope that these insights will influence other qualitative research on the impacts of Covid-19 within prison settings. Methodologically and theoretically, this paper illustrates the potential and challenges relating to using a qualitative correspondence method to facilitate unique insights into life in custody during what emerges as a particularly challenging time in prison settings. More widely the paper reiterates and restates the importance of qualitative research methods as methods that provide unique and rich insights into the Covid-19 pandemic.

The health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults who experience imprisonment globally: A mixed methods systematic review

“…Incarcerated men in Scotland noted that suspension of visitation had deteriorated relationships with family. One person stated that the lack of visitation resulted in "a breakdown in [his] family life" [30], and another said that the lockdown was "tearing families apart" [29].…”

“…People incarcerated in an Italian prison from March to May 2020 described worry, psychological pain, and fear [73]. Isolation emerged as a common theme across studies: "I stay in my cell 24 hours a day, except for those minutes dedicated to phone calls with my loved ones" [73], with study participants describing the impacts of isolation on mental health, exacerbating "feelings of boredom, frustration and stress" as well as suffering [29,30,73].…”

Fieldwork without the field: Navigating qualitative research in pandemic times

“…These methods include remote photovoice and interactive videoconferencing for photo and video diaries (Liegghio and Caragata, 2020), discussions that take place alongside interactive activities (e.g., knitting) during videoconferencing to counteract performative anxieties in the midst of virtual ethnography (Nelson, 2020), auto-ethnographies via engagement with social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), cross-platform messaging applications (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger), and voice over IP services as platforms for debate, knowledge exchange, and participation (Jones, 2020). Others have also relied on distanced methods, using videoconferencing, telephone, email, WhatsApp, or epistolary exchanges to lead virtual or text-based interviews or focus groups (Dube, 2020;Hinkes, 2020;Strong et al, 2020;Woodward, 2020;Maycock, 2021). Notably, Nguyen et al present an excellent case of conducting fieldwork remotely with the help of local research assistants, which they argue should be "embraced as a way of reimagining knowledge production" (Nguyen et al, 2022, p. 1).…”

What do times of crisis reveal about the “total” nature of prisons? Analysing the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis within the Scottish prison system

“…Due to restrictions on face-to-face data collection, this study used a correspondence methodology to gain insights into everyday life in prison during the COVID-19 lockdown ( Maycock, 2021a , 2021b ; Maycock & Dickson, 2021 ). This study analyses the letters received from eight adult male participants all serving long-term sentences 1 , in order to explore the experiences of COVID-19 within one Scottish prison ( Maycock, 2021a ; Maycock & Dickson, 2021 ).…”