Ethics and Behavior
Volume 25, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 21-36

Ethical Ambiguities in Participatory Action Research With Unauthorized Migrants (Article)

Brabeck K.* , Lykes M.B. , Sibley E. , Kene P.
  • a Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership & School Psychology, Rhode Island College, United States, Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Boston College, United States
  • b Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology Department, Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Boston College, United States
  • c Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Boston College, United States
  • d Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership & School Psychology, Rhode Island College, United States

Abstract

There is increased recognition of the importance of well-designed scholarship on how immigration status and policies impact migrants in the United States, including those who are unauthorized. Some researchers have looked to community-based and participatory methods to develop trust, place migrants’ voices at the forefront, and engage collaboratively in using research as a tool for social change. This article reviews three ethical ambiguities that emerged in the process of a series of participatory action research (PAR) projects with migrants in the United States, many of whom were unauthorized. Specifically, three themes are discussed: (a) the tension between the human desire to respond to injustices, and the challenges of doing so in ways that recognize one’s privilege and power as an outsider and supports the migrants’ agency and autonomy; (b) the complex definition, explanation, and dimensions of “risk”; and (c) the complexity of using a methodology (PAR) that prioritizes participants’ collective identity and community in the context of regulations that are designed primarily to protect individuals. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

unauthorized migrants Ethics Participatory action research Community-based research

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84919844832&doi=10.1080%2f10508422.2014.920707&partnerID=40&md5=784bb363cd284a10ee90f1bed1983e3f
DOI: 10.1080/10508422.2014.920707
ISSN: 10508422
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English