Sensitive sources

Ethical challenges and methodological possibilities in sensitive research

Abstract

This article problematizes humane research approaches in sensitive research. I explore methodological possibilities and ethical challenges when approaching sensitive sources with compassion and consideration, and creating safe spaces in the context of my ethnological research process. My sources, referred to as sensitive, are human sources, and the article is based on fieldnotes collected during my doctorate, where I used qualitative ethnographic methods consisting mainly of semi-structured in depth interviews. Analysing my fieldnotes, I explore possibilities and challenges of employing humane approaches in research with sensitive sources, in relation to the concepts of research ethics and researcher ethics. Humane approaches can work as tools to access intimate information and to navigate sensitive situations considerately. However, such interaction can also open up for certain risks, which are ethically significant for both the quality of the research and the wellbeing of the study participants.