Everybody Has a Story: Listening to Imprisoned Sexual Offenders

Abstract

In this article the author addresses two basic questions found at the intersection of ethics and qualitative research methodology: Why are some people reluctant to share their stories? and Are there some people whose stories ought not to be heard? Focusing on imprisoned sexual offenders, the author argues that the establishment of trust in the research relationship is essential to creating safe places for people living with “problem experiences” to tell their stories. He also argues that however repugnant, the stories of society's worst offenders must be heard if we as a society are to better understand their actions and protect ourselves.