Introduction: Mapping Questions of Power and Ethics in Media Activist Research Practices

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors take a global approach to mapping ethical research-activist practices with social justice objectives. They find that sometimes initial research ethics practices can create tensions between researchers and participants, where intersectional power relations will depend not just on who is engaged in the research process, but also when and where the research takes place. The authors map eight key issues with respect to power and ethics in media activist research practices. First, there is an opposition to extractive research on the part of participants which committed researchers attempt to mitigate. Second, the protection from risk offered by participant anonymity is called into question, considering potential silencing of activists’ voices. Third, the labour of being a research participant is considered in relation to the power dynamics of co-research. Fourth, from the researcher’s perspective, questions of power are articulated to who participates and in which roles. Fifth, embedded versus rooted positions within social movements will have different affordances and challenges. Sixth, the double position research activists play in the university and social movements may increase their workload and render them outsiders to both worlds. Seventh, constructive reciprocal critiques, work sharing, and other strategies of mutuality are useful in developing a greater understanding of each other’s work. Finally, discussing ethical research practices openly with participants can help acknowledge complex power asymmetries.