Social Justice, Vulnerability and Inclusion
ModulesSocial Justice, Vulnerability and Inclusion
The aim
To encourage learners to consider how and why matters of social justice, vulnerability and inclusion are relevant to research and the impacts of research.
The learning outcomes
At the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Consider the meaning and relevance of social justice in research.
- Explain the importance of inclusion in research and the ethics issues associated with exclusion.
- Describe the special measures that need to be implemented for the ethical inclusion of vulnerable populations in research.
What is Social Justice? Quiz
What Is Social Justice? Quiz
There is no unified definition of social justice. For this reason, in this module we take a working and broad definition of the concept. We interpret social justice as a guiding principle for achieving a just society, including full and equal participation of individuals in all social institutions; fair, equitable distribution of material and nonmaterial goods; and recognition and support for the needs and rights of individuals. To do that, historical processes of oppression and domination of certain populations need to be taken into account to understand current inequalities and injustices.
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Social Justice in Research
Social Justice in Research cont.
Social Justice in Research cont.
While it may be difficult to imagine that research conducted nowadays could involve the same degree of social injustice as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, social injustice remains a challenge that researchers must address. Here are some short examples of how social injustice might be perpetuated through contemporary research. Click on the different images to see examples of situations in which social justice is relevant and the consequences of not taking this into account.Irecs Social Justice, Vulnerability and Inclusion_Audio_Step3
Social Justice in Research Ethics Codes
Leaving No One Behind in Research
‘Leaving no one behind’ is a principle often invoked in the context of social justice. It emphasises the importance of ensuring that progress and development benefits all individuals and groups within society, particularly those who may be marginalised or vulnerable. The concept recognises that systemic inequalities and discrimination can prevent certain groups from fully participating in and benefiting from development initiatives.
Leaving No One Behind in Research cont.
Addressing marginalization in research requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the research process. This includes actively involving marginalized communities in research design and decision-making, adopting culturally responsive methodologies, acknowledging and addressing power imbalances, and prioritizing the voices and perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized.
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Inclusion and Exclusion in Research
Vulnerability in Research
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Maria Maia - Aspects of Vulnerability in Research
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Vulnerability in Research Ethics Codes
While many research ethics codes and guidelines have something to say about the inclusion of vulnerable people in research, in general they promote the same two messages: first, that most vulnerabilities are associated with voluntariness, and second, that certain groups should be awarded more protection than others.
When vulnerability is mentioned in research ethics codes, it is primarily in relation to the ability to provide informed consent. This can be associated with innate characteristics (for instance, young children or adults with severe cognitive dysfunctions). It can also be associated with circumstances that might impact upon the voluntariness of their consent (for instance, with prisoners or employees).
Some codes also mention risk-based vulnerabilities whereby vulnerability stems from being at an increased risk of mental or physical harm (for instance, pregnant women).
Exercise Feedback
The Australian National Statement (2023, p12) provides an extensive list of the sorts of harm to which research participants might be vulnerable including:
- physical harm: including injury, illness, pain or death;
- psychological harm: including feelings of worthlessness, distress, guilt, anger, fear or anxiety related, for example, to disclosure of sensitive information, an experience of re-traumatisation, or learning about a genetic possibility of developing an untreatable disease;
- devaluation of personal worth: including being humiliated, manipulated or in other ways treated disrespectfully or unjustly;
- cultural harm: including misunderstanding, misrepresenting or misappropriating cultural beliefs, customs or practices;
- social harm: including damage to social networks or relationships with others, discrimination in access to benefits, services, employment or insurance, social stigmatization, and unauthorized disclosure of personal information;
- economic harm: including the imposition of direct or indirect costs on participants;
- legal harm: including discovery and prosecution of criminal conduct.
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