Researching children’s food practices in contexts of deprivation: ethical and methodological challenges

Abstract

The paper develops a critical reflection upon the methodological and ethical challenges of researching the food practices of low-income families with children. We draw on data and fieldwork experience in Portugal, within a recently completed European research project. The study aimed to understand children's experiences and views about the place of food in their lives, drawing on sociological approaches to childhood that conceptualize children as social agents, active participants within families and competent experts on their own social and interactional worlds. These assertions underlie the project's mixed-method approach (in-person interviews, questionnaires and photo-elicitation). We argue that beyond well-known ethical challenges (such as gatekeeping, power asymmetries, reciprocity and active participation), food and food poverty bring forth unique dilemmas, which may affect children's participation in research. Following the dimensions suggested by Tracy, our contribution offers a reflexive account of ethics-in-practice of how we dealt with ethical dilemmas on the field.

Children's relational experiences with the financial crisis in Greece

“…In line with relational ethics, the first author valued mutual respect, dignity and connectedness between the researcher and researched in the field (Ellis, 2007). This involved continuous reflexivity and sensitivity in which questions to pose when and to whom and alertness to both verbal and non-verbal cues, signalling discomfort or distress (Ramos et al, 2022). The first author discovered that the children discussed issues related to economic hardship with ease, both in individual and group interviews.…”

The use of diaries for understanding the experience of health and illness

“…In fact, unlike other methods that involve the constant presence of the researcher, the possibility of writing the diary at home guarantees the comfort and secrecy of participants, without interfering with family routines (Mayall, 2008). In addition, the home environment can provide several clues and awaken memories that help organize the writing itself (Ramos et al., 2022). Nevertheless, during the writing process diaries may be easily accessible to others in the household, creating possible conflicts within the family unit.…”