Researching with Care: Applying Feminist Care Ethics to Research Practice

Caring about the things we research has implications for how we research, who we research with, and what we do with our results. Care ethics provides a guide for doing research that thinks and acts with care, promoting justice and repairing harms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The significance of caring about the subjects we study cannot be overstated, as it profoundly impacts the very essence of how we approach, conduct, and disseminate our research findings. By embracing a paradigm shift in research thinking, as proposed by Joan C. Tronto, this book encourages researchers from diverse disciplines and fields to conduct their work with a profound sense of care and responsibility.

The authors draw upon their own experiences and those of others to shed light on the challenges and opportunities that arise when research is approached as a caring practice. Care ethics serve as a valuable guide, encompassing the initial stages of project planning, design, and execution, as well as the thoughtful consideration of research legacies. Through the lens of care ethics, research becomes a powerful tool for repairing harm, promoting justice, and fostering positive change in society.

One of the key implications of caring about the things we research is the cultivation of empathy and understanding. By immersing ourselves in the lives and experiences of the individuals or communities we study, we develop a deeper appreciation for their unique perspectives and challenges. This empathy enables us to approach our research with a more nuanced and sensitive perspective, ensuring that our findings are not only accurate but also relevant and meaningful to the people we aim to serve.

Moreover, caring about the things we research fosters a sense of ethical responsibility and integrity. We are compelled to conduct our work in a manner that respects the rights and well-being of our research participants, ensuring that they are fully informed about the purposes and potential risks of the study. This ethical commitment goes beyond mere compliance with regulatory guidelines and promotes a culture of respect and trust that is essential for building long-term relationships with research communities.

Another implication of caring about the things we research is the potential for transformative outcomes. By focusing our research on issues that matter to society, we have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to knowledge and practice. Our research findings can inform policy decisions, improve healthcare practices, and address social inequalities, leading to a more just and equitable world.

However, caring about the things we research also presents challenges and complexities. One of the primary challenges is the need to balance the rigor and scientific integrity of our research with the ethical considerations and sensitivities of our research participants. This requires a careful approach to research design, data collection, and analysis, ensuring that our methods are transparent, ethical, and respectful of the rights and dignity of those involved.

Furthermore, caring about the things we research can require us to confront difficult and complex ethical dilemmas. For example, when conducting research on sensitive topics such as human rights abuses or environmental degradation, we may face ethical challenges related to the use of sensitive data, the potential for harm to research participants, or the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders.

In conclusion, caring about the things we research is a fundamental aspect of our work as researchers. It enables us to approach our work with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. By embracing a paradigm shift in research thinking, we can cultivate a culture of care that promotes ethical responsibility, fosters understanding, and drives transformative outcomes. However, caring about the things we research also requires us to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and challenges, and it is essential to approach these challenges with a willingness to learn, grow, and adapt.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447359777