Traianou, Anna and Hammersley, Martyn. 2023. Interrogating the Concept of ‘Vulnerability’ in Social Research Ethics. Diametros – A Journal of Philosophy, ISSN 1733-5566 [Article] (Forthcoming)

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Abstract or Description

This paper examines the concept of ‘vulnerability’ in the context of social research ethics. An ambiguity is noted in use of this term: it may refer to an incapacity to provide informed consent to participate in a research project, or it may imply heightened susceptibility to the risk of harm. It is pointed out that vulnerability is a matter of degree, and that there are different sources and types of harm, which must be taken into account in any judgment about whether additional precautions are required to protect particular categories of research participant. Furthermore, such judgments must be sensitive to the particular context in which research is taking place. This is one of several considerations that raise questions about the desirability of the sort of pre-emptive ethical regulation that has become institutionalised in many countries over the past few decades, a form that is more appropriate to medical rather than to social research. However, this is not to deny that a concern with the vulnerability of research participants is necessary on the part of social researchers. Furthermore, it must be recognised that researchers themselves may be vulnerable to harm in the research process. Finally, some discussion is provided of the way in which a concern with vulnerability may conflict with other considerations that researchers need to take into account in doing their work. The key point is that ‘vulnerability’ is a complex and controversial concept, and it requires careful handling in social research ethics.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	social research ethics, vulnerability, research ethics committees, ethical regulation
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Educational Studies Educational Studies > Centre for Identities and Social Justice
Dates:	Date Event 26 March 2023 Submitted
Item ID:	33310
Date Deposited:	27 Mar 2023 08:25
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2023 01:58
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/33310

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