The ethics of care and transformational research practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brannelly, Tula; Boulton, Amohia
• Other Names: Brannelly Tula guest-editor.; Edwards Rosalind guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Qualitative research. Volume 17:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 340
• Page End: 350
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: decolonising methodologies -- ethics of care -- Māori -- participatory methodology; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1177/1468794117698916
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-7941

Abstract

Democratising methodologies often require research partnerships in practice. Research partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous partners are commonplace, but there is unsatisfactory guidance available to non-indigene researchers about how to approach the relationship in a way that builds solidarity with the aims of the indigenous community. Worse still, non-indigenous researchers may circumvent indigenous communities to avoid causing offense, in effect silencing those voices. In this article, we argue that the ethics of care provides a framework that can guide ethical research practice, because it attends to the political positioning of the people involved, acknowledges inequalities and aims to address these in solidarity with the community. Drawing on our research partnership in Aotearoa New Zealand, we explain how the ethics of care intertwines with Māori values, creating a synergistic and dialogic approach.