This book looks deeply at women researchers' personal stories, struggles, and successes within the context of conducting research in the male-dominated sphere of prison studies. Their insights provide an analytical resource from which readers can better understand the context of doing prison research and the theoretical and methodological challenges that come with it. Their autoethnographic stories shed light on the unique issues faced by women prison researchers and provide a roadmap for understanding the novel strategies, methodological landmines, and epistemological challenges for those who will come after them. Their experiences as women investigators are couched in a distinct set of challenges. This book is intended to highlight those researchers' challenges and also, to celebrate their successes.

"Establishes a new landmark in the study of everyday life in the modern metropolis. This book brilliantly integrates systematic theory and participant observation data. Forms of domination and resistance are poignantly captured in different social settings, and admirably related to economic and political forces. The volume will do more to enhance ethnographic research than any previous study in sociology."--William Julius Wilson, University of Chicago

"What is unleashed in "Ethnography Unbound is the theoretical and critical potential of exemplary urban fieldwork and pedagogy. This book by Michael Burawoy and his talented students sets an inspirational standard to emulate in the classroom and in the 'field'."--Judith Stacey, author of "Brave New Families

"Bravo! A book that explodes the barriers that prevent us from seeing, simultaneously, both the social world and our role in its making. The dichotomies of teacher/student, researcher/researched, and theory/data are subjected to a penetrating and refreshing scrutiny in this unique project."--Rick Fantasia, author of "Cultures of Solidarity

"Burawoy and his colleagues have rediscovered the ancient truth that participant observation is well-suited to understanding the larger society as well as microsocial life. Moreover, they have made that rediscovery superbly. The essays are of high quality and I hope that the book will increase yet further the current interest in participant observation and ethnography."--Herbert J. Gans, author of "People, Plans and Policies