[Last modified: November, 30 2024 05:45 PM]
Case study: Indigenous identities and disempowerment
What ethical issues (if any) arise from this project? How should they be addressed?
This project raises many ethical issues because it focuses on indigenous migrants in vulnerable situations and sensitive topics, such as violence, poverty, and political oppression. To meet ethical standards, I recommend:
- Making sure participants fully understand what they’re agreeing to, explain the project in their language if needed, and let them know they can withdraw anytime
- Avoiding distress by being mindful of how heavy topics like violence or displacement could affect participants. Have a list of support resources ready
- Collaborating with indigenous leaders or associations to ensure cultural norms and traditions are respected
What data protection issues (if any) arise from this project?
Given the sensitive nature of the data being collected, there I would suggest:
- Anonymizing all participant data and avoid including details that could indirectly reveal identities. Use pseudonyms in your notes and reports
- Storing data securely and encrypting digital files and keep physical notes in a safe place
- Deleting everything after the project is finished
- Avoiding specifics like locations or affiliations that could make participants identifiable
Are there any problems around power / coercion?
The student must address potential power imbalances between themselves as a researcher and participants who may feel compelled to participate due to perceived authority or potential benefits. I would recommend:
- Emphasizing that participation is voluntary and unrelated to access to any resources or benefits
- Partnering with trusted local organizations to help participants feel more comfortable and less like they’re under pressure
Are ‘vulnerable’ individuals involved? Could the topic be considered sensitive?
The project involves vulnerable individuals and addresses sensitive topics like political oppression, violence, and displacement. To navigate this:
- Be aware that this project involves vulnerable individuals and addresses sensitive issues like violence and political oppression
- Use open-ended questions and let participants guide the discussion to avoid making them uncomfortable
- Ensure personal safety while traveling and working in areas affected by violence
Should this be approved by the Anthropology Ethics Committee? Or should it go to UCL REC? Would it be considered low or high risk?
Overall, I would say this is extremely high risk for the reasons above, and would be very unlikely to be approved.