British Journal of Social Work
Volume 41, Issue 7, 2011, Pages 1271-1287

When 'do no harm' is not enough: The ethics of research with refugees and other vulnerable groups (Article)

Hugman R.* , Pittaway E. , Bartolomei L.
  • a School of Social Sciences and International Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
  • b School of Social Sciences and International Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
  • c School of Social Sciences and International Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

Abstract

Ethics in social work research increasingly recognises that the rights and interests of subjects must be primary. The principal aim is to ensure that the subjects of research are protected from harm that might result from their participation in the research. In this article, research ethics are examined in the context of refugees and other vulnerable groups. It is argued that the ancient idea of seeking to 'do no harm' that continues to be a key principle in the refugee field, while necessary, is insufficient to ensure ethically sound research practice. A more sophisticated approach is required in research with such groups in order to ensure that social works ethical responsibilities are realised. This article discusses a model of participatory research as a vehicle for developing research ethics in social work. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

service users Research Refugees Ethics Social work

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80054931760&doi=10.1093%2fbjsw%2fbcr013&partnerID=40&md5=9d98edfd55d6b738318e9c7e4323d809
DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcr013
ISSN: 00453102
Cited by: 63
Original Language: English