Ethics, Power and Agency in Transnational Qualitative Methods: Remote Collaboration in a Refugee Camp

Abstract

This is a methodological paper discussing the ethical and power-based implications of conducting remote and participatory research in a refugee camp. The paper presents the methodological approach to a community-engaged project studying education and technology in a refugee camp in Malawi. Half of the research team lives in Canada and half in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. This paper reflects on this study, with a focus on remote partnership, team building with community researchers, and the use of digital tools to coordinate and manage data collection and analysis. We also identify locations where ethics and power are both disrupted and affirmed in this participatory study.