Performance-based research has become an increasingly popular methodology within the social sciences and humanities for examining topics that may be challenging to explore through more traditional means, such as interviews or surveys.
When it comes to exploring sexuality, gender, and relationship dynamics, there are unique ethical considerations that must be taken into account. This essay will explore how queer performance-based research can produce meaningful insights while also respecting participant agency, and what types of ethical frameworks should guide its practice.
Queer performance-based research is a qualitative methodology where participants engage in creative activities such as acting, dance, music, storytelling, or visual art to express their experiences and perspectives. This approach allows researchers to access insights into sensitive or personal topics that may otherwise remain hidden or difficult to discuss. By using creativity, play, and embodiment, participants can share their stories and feelings in ways that feel comfortable and empowering.
One study used performance-based methods to explore the lived experiences of lesbian women who had experienced domestic violence. The researchers found that this approach allowed them to uncover nuanced and complex narratives that would have been missed if they had relied solely on standard interview techniques.
Ethics in Queer Performance-Based Research
When working with marginalized populations, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, it is essential to take special care to ensure that participants' agency is protected. This means prioritizing consent, confidentiality, and autonomy throughout the research process. It also means being mindful of power imbalances between researchers and participants and taking steps to mitigate these. One way to do this is by building trust through clear communication about the purpose of the research and providing opportunities for feedback throughout the project.
Researchers should be transparent about any potential risks associated with participation and offer alternative options if desired.
Ethical Frameworks for Queer Performance-Based Research
There are several ethical frameworks that can guide queer performance-based research, including those developed specifically for sexuality research and those applicable across disciplines.
The Sexual Research Framework
The Sexual Research Framework was created by Dr. Justin J. Lehmiller and outlines nine key principles for conducting research involving sexual topics. These include respect for participant privacy, minimizing harm, avoiding coercion or deception, and ensuring accurate reporting of findings. This framework emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and humility in research design and implementation.
Other Ethical Frameworks
Other ethical frameworks, such as the Belmont Report, emphasize respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. In terms of performing-based research, this might mean ensuring that participants feel comfortable and safe during their involvement, protecting their privacy, and using data responsibly. It may also involve working closely with community organizations to ensure that research findings are used to promote positive change within marginalized communities.
While queer performance-based research has many benefits when it comes to exploring sensitive topics like sex, gender, and relationships, it requires careful consideration of ethics. By prioritizing participant agency, building trust, and following ethical guidelines, researchers can produce meaningful insights while still respecting the unique experiences and perspectives of their participants.