Reflections on researching vulnerable populations: Lessons from a study with Bhutanese refugee women

Abstract

This paper explores the critical roles of researchers in research involving vulnerable populations. Its purpose is to reflect on the complex nature of vulnerability of Bhutanese refugee women who had resettled in Australia involved in research looking at the barriers to accessing preventive cancer screening.

Emotions in Crisis: Consequences of Ceremonial Refugee Camp Visits to Bhutanese Refugee Camps in Nepal

“…Interspersed among stories of isolation, suicide, and desperation are Bhutanese refugees' success stories of integration and assimilation with the broader society, as well as many reports of Bhutanese refugees being happy to have resettled in the REFUGE: CANADA'S JOURNAL ON REFUGEES Emotions in Crisis US, citing opportunities for younger generations (Roka, 2017). Scholars demand better solutions and more attention to address refugees' struggles in integration and adaptation (Griffiths & Loy, 2019;Lewis, 2021;Naseh et al, 2022;Parajuli & Horey, 2022;Poudel-Tandukar et al, 2020;Roka, 2017). It is prudent to uptake similar approaches to understand migration officials' impact in refugee camps; more research is needed to understand possible connections between encampment and resettlement in terms of interactions with officials and relatively low integration rates.…”

Research with institutionalized populations: Methodological and ethical dilemmas

“…Qualitative research scholars have shared candid reflections and posed thoughtful questions about challenges in conducting research with vulnerable populations. Vulnerability is a multi-dimensional and intersectional concept denoting what Parajuli and Horey (2020) describe:a state or condition that occurs as a result of external or structural factors; a consequence of social dynamics, such as inequality and social exclusion; a perception of social groups and individuals and so conditionally dependent on how someone sees themselves in relation to a dominant social group; as an association with risk or exploitation because of demographic, social or economic circumstances; as arising from powerlessness, exclusion or marginalization; or related to the risk of harm or death, experiences of ongoing hunger or poverty or the inability to make personal life choices independently. (p. 1)…”