Addressing Ethics Through Reflexivity in Participatory Research With Refugee Children

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division G - Section 6: Inquiry in the Social Context of Education Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Despite an appreciation of children’s voices, agency, participation rights, socio-emotional well-being, and welfare, our understanding of how these rights are upheld and enhanced in research remains understudied. Although under-explored, arts-based participatory research shows promise in valuing children’s perspectives and well-being. This is particularly the case with children with refugee experiences. This study examines how researchers can ethically engage with children’s agency, balancing development, safeguarding socio-emotional well-being and respecting their cultural heritage and dignity. As educators and reflexive researchers, we employed reflexive tools such as jotting notes, field notes, and diary entries to investigate ethical challenges in art-based participatory research. This inquiry was in collaboration with the "Wellbeing" project within a temporary shelter for marginalized migrants, ‘Global Haven’ in Montreal, Quebec.

Authors

• Azam Dashti Khavidaki, McGill University

• Claudia Mitchell, McGill University