Ethical considerations in researching marginalised voices: A focus on women and gender-diverse individuals in Central American prisons

Gloriana Rodriguez Alvarez; Alejandro Fernandez Muñoz; Hermes  Monge Campo

Ethical considerations in researching marginalised voices: A focus on women and gender-diverse individuals in Central American prisons

Gloriana Rodriguez Alvarez^*, Alejandro Fernandez Muñoz, Hermes Monge Campo

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Abstract: This paper explores the ethical complexities inherent in researching marginalized voices within Central American prisons, specifically focusing on women and gender-diverse individuals presumed to be affiliated with armed groups. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted across Central America, the paper explores the challenges researchers face when navigating carceral spaces dominated by gang violence and informal governance. It highlights the need for addressing the ethical dilemmas that arise when engaging with incarcerated individuals. By highlighting the importance of reflexivity, recognition of gatekeepers, ensuring the safety of incarcerated individuals, sensitivity to vulnerabilities and diversity, and fostering empathy, the authors contribute to the broader discourse on research ethics and methodology in high-risk environments. This study casts a spotlight on the ethics of researching prisons in Central America, underscoring the urgency of ethical research practices that prioritize the dignity, agency, and humanity of research subjects.

Original language	English
Journal	Conflict, Security & Development
Publication status	Accepted/In press - 29 Oct 2024

Keywords

Research Ethics
Women
Gender-diverse
Central America

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Cite this

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title = "Ethical considerations in researching marginalised voices: A focus on women and gender-diverse individuals in Central American prisons",

abstract = "Abstract: This paper explores the ethical complexities inherent in researching marginalized voices within Central American prisons, specifically focusing on women and gender-diverse individuals presumed to be affiliated with armed groups. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted across Central America, the paper explores the challenges researchers face when navigating carceral spaces dominated by gang violence and informal governance. It highlights the need for addressing the ethical dilemmas that arise when engaging with incarcerated individuals. By highlighting the importance of reflexivity, recognition of gatekeepers, ensuring the safety of incarcerated individuals, sensitivity to vulnerabilities and diversity, and fostering empathy, the authors contribute to the broader discourse on research ethics and methodology in high-risk environments. This study casts a spotlight on the ethics of researching prisons in Central America, underscoring the urgency of ethical research practices that prioritize the dignity, agency, and humanity of research subjects.",

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AU - Fernandez Muñoz, Alejandro

AU - Monge Campo, Hermes

PY - 2024/10/29

Y1 - 2024/10/29

N2 - Abstract: This paper explores the ethical complexities inherent in researching marginalized voices within Central American prisons, specifically focusing on women and gender-diverse individuals presumed to be affiliated with armed groups. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted across Central America, the paper explores the challenges researchers face when navigating carceral spaces dominated by gang violence and informal governance. It highlights the need for addressing the ethical dilemmas that arise when engaging with incarcerated individuals. By highlighting the importance of reflexivity, recognition of gatekeepers, ensuring the safety of incarcerated individuals, sensitivity to vulnerabilities and diversity, and fostering empathy, the authors contribute to the broader discourse on research ethics and methodology in high-risk environments. This study casts a spotlight on the ethics of researching prisons in Central America, underscoring the urgency of ethical research practices that prioritize the dignity, agency, and humanity of research subjects.

AB - Abstract: This paper explores the ethical complexities inherent in researching marginalized voices within Central American prisons, specifically focusing on women and gender-diverse individuals presumed to be affiliated with armed groups. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted across Central America, the paper explores the challenges researchers face when navigating carceral spaces dominated by gang violence and informal governance. It highlights the need for addressing the ethical dilemmas that arise when engaging with incarcerated individuals. By highlighting the importance of reflexivity, recognition of gatekeepers, ensuring the safety of incarcerated individuals, sensitivity to vulnerabilities and diversity, and fostering empathy, the authors contribute to the broader discourse on research ethics and methodology in high-risk environments. This study casts a spotlight on the ethics of researching prisons in Central America, underscoring the urgency of ethical research practices that prioritize the dignity, agency, and humanity of research subjects.

KW - Research Ethics

KW - Women

KW - Gender-diverse

KW - Central America

M3 - Article

SN - 1467-8802

JO - Conflict, Security & Development

JF - Conflict, Security & Development

ER -

Ethical considerations in researching marginalised voices: A focus on women and gender-diverse individuals in Central American prisons

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

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