Ethic of Care in Qualitative Research with Formerly Incarcerated Women

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Abstract

An ethic of care is essential to the research design and implementation of a successful and meaningful qualitative study involving formerly incarcerated women. It manifests through three steps: thoughtful planning, trauma-informed data collection, and post-participation aftercare. Firstly, preparation of interview guides and other protocols must aim to create an approach that does not harm the participants or re-traumatize them. Secondly, the praxis of creating a safe space requires the researchers to give careful consideration to the participant’s well-being, for example through regular check-ins and seeking active consent to continue, signaling that she has control over how much she decides to share. This gentle method builds trust and allows their stories to come to light with rich detail. Finally, the conclusion of the interaction should include time for debriefing and information about local resources for support. Formerly incarcerated women have often experienced multiple types of trauma and been frequently let down by professionals. By practicing an ethic of care, researchers may be able to undo at least a little bit of this harm. Thus, for academics committed to social justice, this practice also becomes a moral duty.

Author

• Jenna Pasanen, University of Illinois Chicago