Learning from ‘big ethical moments’ in qualitative research: Reflecting on care ethics, relational ethics, indeterminate zones, and intersectionality

Qualitative research unfolds in unpredictable ways and standard ethical procedures deemed relevant to qualitative research may be limited in how it can prepare researchers for the degree of responsiveness required when faced with a ‘big ethical moment’. I share two research encounters related to anonymity and sharing stories, one in which I was a research participant and the other as a researcher. Drawing on theoretical perspectives including care ethics, relational ethics, indeterminate zones, and intersectionality, I illustrate how each approach can enrich the former towards ensuring just, and contextually aware research.