The rights based approach to researching children and young people is where they are involved actively in the research, not just as objects but as citizens with rights, (Fraser et al cited in, Open University, 2014), valued as an important source of knowledge about their own life and experiences. (Open University, 2014) However, as with all forms of research there are ethical and practical implications. There are some concerns surrounding the infringement of the child and young person’s rights (Fraser, Flewitt and Hammersley, 2014), as well as concerns over the consequence and the process of the research. As well as questions surrounding any harm, both physical and mental that the research may cause. (Fraser, Flewitt and Hammersley, 2014)
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(Alderson, 2014) The rights based approach gives equal power, enables children to relax and be open, feeling they are being taken seriously. (Open University, 2014) this leads to empowerment, giving value to them and their views, accepting them as valued members of society. (Kellett, 2014) Kellett suggests that children and young people have been denied their right to participate and that they have no control over decisions that concern them, researchers and policy makers have argued against this expressing the importance of giving opportunities for children and young people to express their views. (Open University, 2014) However even in accordance with UNCRC process the children did need adult consent, did this infringe the child’s rights? Who ultimately has power over the research? Are adults still decision makers for children? (Kellett, 2014) The cruciality of ongoing consent is raised in ‘home truths: ethical issues in family research’ (Gabb, 2010) Adults often have power over children, this is usually because adults have historically been seen as having more knowledge and better judgement. (Kellett, 2014) Therefore adults by default have ultimate power, therefore are given the responsibility and choice over child involvement in research and their overall lives, creating an unspoken hierarchy, where adults at times abuse this power. The question of harm is raised in ‘home truths: ethical issues in family research’ (Gabb, 2010). This article also suggests that a heavy involvement in others lives can evoke strong feelings as it appears to have in the film ‘Vortex’. Where child neglect was present, this caused ethical issues for the film makers. The involvement in chaotic lives has implications for researchers’ and their subjects. (Open University, 2014) John Oates discusses how reporting these matters would have further negative effects on the families and community.
(Alderson, 2014) The rights based approach gives equal power, enables children to relax and be open, feeling they are being taken seriously. (Open University, 2014) this leads to empowerment, giving value to them and their views, accepting them as valued members of society. (Kellett, 2014) Kellett suggests that children and young people have been denied their right to participate and that they have no control over decisions that concern them, researchers and policy makers have argued against this expressing the importance of giving opportunities for children and young people to express their views. (Open University, 2014) However even in accordance with UNCRC process the children did need adult consent, did this infringe the child’s rights? Who ultimately has power over the research? Are adults still decision makers for children? (Kellett, 2014) The cruciality of ongoing consent is raised in ‘home truths: ethical issues in family research’ (Gabb, 2010) Adults often have power over children, this is usually because adults have historically been seen as having more knowledge and better judgement. (Kellett, 2014) Therefore adults by default have ultimate power, therefore are given the responsibility and choice over child involvement in research and their overall lives, creating an unspoken hierarchy, where adults at times abuse this power. The question of harm is raised in ‘home truths: ethical issues in family research’ (Gabb, 2010). This article also suggests that a heavy involvement in others lives can evoke strong feelings as it appears to have in the film ‘Vortex’. Where child neglect was present, this caused ethical issues for the film makers. The involvement in chaotic lives has implications for researchers’ and their subjects. (Open University, 2014) John Oates discusses how reporting these matters would have further negative effects on the families and community.