Translating the principle of beneficence into ethical participatory development research practice

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Abstract

Conceptualising and operationalising ethical principles like beneficence (maximise benefits, minimise risks) is complex. We contribute to understanding beneficence by critically analysing data documenting participatory international development research processes in Eswatini and India, informed by capabilities theory. Our results problematise (i) conceptualising beneficence solely in relation to either local or academic norms and (ii) offsetting economic, social and cognitive, or individual, group and societal benefits and/or harms, as either practice risks perpetuating unjust economic and/or epistemological hierarchies. Our results suggest that beneficence will be optimally achieved if it is conceptualised and operationalised considering diverse stakeholder perspectives and social justice theory.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-126
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of International Development
Volume33
Issue number1
Early online date2 Sept 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jan 2021
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 1 - No Poverty
    SDG 1 No Poverty
  2. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  3. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

Keywords

  • research ethics
  • beneficence
  • community participation
  • capabilities approach

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