Participatory Child Trafficking Research: Trust and Empowerment
Alinka Gearon, PhD, MRes, LSW | September 25 | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Drawing on an innovative study with trafficked young people in England, this presentation charts the development of a participative child trafficking research methodology. Child trafficking research with young people as active participants is scarce due to methodological barriers of gaining access (Goździak, 2008; Kelly, 2012) and a mistrust of adults (Hynes, 2010). “Embodied circles” (Gearon, 2020), a dynamic method of improvised dance, is presented as a creative method that successfully built trust and fostered young people’s engagement. An argument is made that the physical dimension of “embodied circles” enriches the research process for both researcher and participants, promotes social bonding, and aids confidence in participation and expression. “Embodied circles” is a novel method of not only addressing barriers in trafficking research, but also communicating epistemology, empowers participants, and is therapeutically aligned with trauma recovery approaches (Van der Kolk, 2014). The adaptability of “embodied circles” to different cultures is highlighted. This original participative child trafficking methodology will be of interest to those who seek to conduct research with at-risk, marginalized, and traumatized people. The ethical challenges of participation, practical examples of “embodied circles” and the importance of empowerment in the research process is highlighted.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss ethical challenges and ways to mitigate these in trafficking research
· Share research methods which successfully engaged marginalized and traumatized young people
· Highlight the importance of empowerment and trauma-informed approaches in trafficking research