The Politics of Research Ethics in Social Work: Reflections From a First-time Researcher

Abstract

This paper reflects upon the experiences of a novice researcher negotiating ethical concerns that arose while interviewing women survivors of intimate partner violence. I begin with a brief history of research ethics and feminist contributions to social science research. Drawing from my Honours project I reflect on interviewing friends, boundaries, managing distressing disclosures and the personal politics of research. Keywords : research ethics, feminist research, interviewing friends, research politics, boundaries