Research Ethics
2019

Photovoice and refugee research: The case for a ‘layers’ versus ‘labels’ approach to vulnerability (Article) (Open Access)

Humpage L.* , Fozdar F. , Marlowe J. , Hartley L.
  • a University of Auckland, New Zealand, New Zealand
  • b University of Western Australia, Australia
  • c University of Auckland, New Zealand, New Zealand
  • d Centre for Human Rights Education, Curtin University, Australia

Abstract

‘Vulnerability’ is a key concept used to understand the ethical implications of conducting refugee-focused research. This case study illustrates the need to follow Luna’s (2009) call for a shift from a ‘labels’ to a ‘layers’ approach to vulnerability by analysing how two university ethics committees responded to issues of informed consent in two similar refugee research projects using the PhotoVoice method. The following commentary argues that, when driven by a research governance regime, ethics review risks viewing refugees through a static label of vulnerability, negatively affecting research viability and data quality. In contrast, a layers approach opens space for understanding the potential for vulnerability amongst refugee research participants while supporting PhotoVoice’s goals of empowerment and facilitating agency. The case study highlights the need for national-level ethics statements that encourage a more flexible approach within research institutions. © The Author(s) 2019.

Author Keywords

Vulnerability Photovoice Refugees Ethics Informed consent

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074270169&doi=10.1177%2f1747016119864353&partnerID=40&md5=c31243e960f28ba4bad24caa75b23ec6
DOI: 10.1177/1747016119864353
ISSN: 17470161
Original Language: English