Culturally safe research with vulnerable populations
Denise Wilson
Māori Health, Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research; School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studices, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
Stephen Neville
School of Health and Social Sciences, Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand
PP: 69 - 79
Abstract
Culturally safe research processes, methodologies, and mutually aligned research endeavours are a fundamental right of those being researched.
Vulnerable populations are at risk of experiencing inequalities in health experiences and health outcomes, and research beneficial to those being researched is crucial to address disparities. Often vulnerable populations are exposed to research that is driven by dominant epistemologies, research methodologies, and socio-cultural lenses that can exacerbate their vulnerability, negating their socio-cultural reality.
In this paper it is contended that researchers should review the way in which research is constructed and developed by creating a culturally safe space for research to occur with those who are vulnerable. A framework based on partnership, participation, protection, and power is presented as a way of creating culturally safe research.
Keywords
cultural safety, culture and research, vulnerable populations, marginalised groups, research ethics, research
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