Summary

In this conversation criminologist Kathryn Whiteley discusses her extensive research on women who commit serious crimes, focusing on their unique experiences, the impact of sentencing, and the role of trauma and motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of feminist criminology in understanding women's pathways to crime and the influence of media on public perceptions. Kathryn also shares insights from her podcast and documentary, highlighting the need for authentic representation of women's stories in the criminal justice system. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on the challenges and rewards of her work, maintaining a positive outlook despite the difficult subject matter.

https://www.kathrynmwhiteley.com/

Keywords

women, crime, incarceration, sentencing, trauma, motherhood, feminist criminology, media influence, research methodology, podcast

Takeaways

Kathryn's research began with a fascination for women and crime.

Volunteering in prisons shaped her research agenda.

Each woman's story is unique; generalizations are misleading.

Sentencing length varies significantly across countries.

Hope and identity are influenced by the length of sentences.

Many women in prison face abandonment from families over time.

Feminist criminology focuses on understanding women's pathways to crime.

Media portrayal often sensationalizes female offenders.

Kathryn's podcast provides a platform for women's voices.

Maintaining positivity comes from gratitude and learning from women.

Sound Bites

"I'm fascinated about women and crime."

"Not all women in prison are victims."

"Media can re-traumatize victims' families."

Chapters (timings approx)

00:00

Introduction to Women and Crime

03:32

Volunteer Work and Research Foundations

06:12

Comparative Analysis of Women's Incarceration

09:10

Sentencing and Its Impact on Hope

11:33

Faith and Resilience in Incarceration

14:17

Research Questions and Methodology

17:08

Key Findings and Insights

19:59

Understanding Victimization and Offending

27:49

Understanding Feminist Criminology

29:17

Challenges of Feminist Criminology

31:12

Building Trust with Incarcerated Women

36:00

The Role of Follow-Up in Research

38:22

Ethics and Integrity in Research

40:58

Giving a Voice to Incarcerated Women

45:33

Media Consumption and Female Crime

51:27

Podcasting and Documentaries on Female Offenders

Kathryn M. Whiteley Ph.D. Consultant: Feminist Criminologist

(Ph.D. from Queensland University of Technology,– Brisbane Australia) Internationally acclaimed: Feminist Criminologist – consultant, academic, documentary producer and podcast host and co-producer. Originally from Australia and has now lived in Pennsylvania in the United States for almost 20 years. She has taught in academia in Australia and the United States for over 20 years. Her research focuses on Gender and Crime, specifically women who commit violent crimes. I.e., women who commit murder and or sexual offenses.

Has over two decades of experience, navigating administrative procedures, entering and conducting individual interviews in women’s prisons across three countries - Australia, the United States and Ireland. She has personally interviewed over 100 women, and engaged with many more, beyond her research, who are incarcerated for long to life and life without parole sentences, predominately in Pennsylvania and Texas, in the United States. A qualitative researcher, who presents a platform for incarcerated women’s life stories through a narrative analysis approach. Women share their pathway to criminality and the life they now endure, from behind bars. Many until they die. She has published in peer reviewed journals, book chapters and produced an educational documentary, and a podcast series in women’s maximum-security prisons. She is currently writing a book which shares life stories of women incarcerated for life in the United States. Her goal is for incarcerated women who have committed violent crimes to “have a voice!” Website: kathrynmwhiteley.com LinkedIn: Kathryn Whiteley Documentary (YouTube): Until We Have Faces (Women Serving Life)