Ethical Reflections on Working With Peer Researchers. Experience From the Field in Migration Studies

In this paper, we explore the ethical dimensions of the peer research approach (PRA) drawing on our experiences—as researchers and peer researchers—gained through an international project about young migrants' integration. We emphasize the necessity for deep reflection on relationships within the research team and with the community involved in the study. We also highlight the importance of recognizing the dual role of peer researchers as both members of the community and research team. Based on our experiences, we provide a set of ethical reflections for applying PRA. Our discussion is concentrated around three areas: First, we propose principles of working with peer researchers as full-fledged team members. Then, we focus on their dual role and its implications. Finally, we examine the importance of communicating with the broader community and knowledge co-production. The ethical principles discussed include transparency, openness, trust, partnership, power balance, respect, responsibility, recognition, intersectionality, agency, diversity, empowerment, inclusion, social justice and equity.