Doing sensitive research in the social sciences: setting the scene

This Handbook demonstrates that certain research questions can only be addressed by engaging with vulnerable individuals or groups. This necessitates that sensitive researchers initiate enquiries with these populations. Researching sensitive topics that also involve vulnerable individuals presents unique and often difficult challenges. However, conducting research with them is feasible and although it is challenging, it can also provide some rewards to enrich our lives. The concepts of sensitive research and vulnerable populations are socially constructed and can have various meanings for different researchers. Regardless of how we conceptualise these vulnerable individuals, conducting research with them requires significant attention due to the potential for further exploitation or re-traumatisation. It certainly demands a thorough examination of our own moral and ethical considerations. Sensitive researchers are dedicated to not only hearing but also giving voice to vulnerable people as a crucial step towards empowering them. By doing so, we can help many vulnerable individuals gain better opportunities to improve their lives and wellbeing. In this chapter, I will begin by discussing the concepts of sensitive research and vulnerable people, drawing on examples from various social science literature. Then, I will address the considerations necessary when conducting sensitive research with vulnerable or marginalised individuals. The literature often emphasises the risks and harm to research participants, primarily due to ethics committee requirements for approval before conducting research. However, attention to the risks and harm faced by researchers conducting sensitive research has only recently increased. This chapter will also discuss some key issues related to this topic.