Researching Crime and Violence in Medellin, Colombia - Truth versus Truths

Researching Crime and Violence in Medellín, Colombia: Truth versus Truths questions categories, assumptions and labels around interpretations of criminal actors and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean. By drawing from her experiences conducting fieldwork in Medellín, Colombia, Caroline Doyle provides readers with a unique window into the complex reality of crime and violence in the city. She reflects on her journey to try and make sense of the crime and violence and challenges she faced in the field, such as navigating her identity, accessing participants, perceived and real danger, and the almost impossible task of cross-checking data to find a “truth.” The author provides readers with a unique insight into the complexity of these issues throughout the region and some of the challenges researchers and authorities can face with measuring and ultimately addressing crime and violence.