This open-access book discusses vulnerability and the protection-inclusion dilemma of including those who suffer from serious poverty, severe stigma, and structural violence in research. Co-written with representatives from indigenous peoples in South Africa and sex workers in Nairobi, the authors come down firmly on the side of inclusion. In the spirit of leaving no one behind in research, the team experimented with data collection methods that prioritize research participant needs over researcher needs. This involved foregoing the collection of personal data and community researchers being involved in all stages of the research. In the process, the term ‘vulnerability’ was illuminated across significant language barriers as it was defined by indigenous peoples and sex workers themselves. The book describes a potential alternative to exclusion from research that moves away from traditional research methods. By ensuring that the research is led by vulnerable groups for vulnerable groups, it offers an approach that fosters trust and collaboration with benefits for the community researchers, the wider community as well as research academics.

Vulnerable populations
Global research ethics
Low and middle-income countries
Non-clinical health research
Research governance
Open Access

• Introduction: Rethinking Vulnerability
• Philosophical Foundations of Vulnerability
• Vulnerability and Human Condition
• Ethics of Vulnerability
• Social and Political Dimensions of Vulnerability
• Vulnerability in Health and Medicine
• Gender and Vulnerability
• Vulnerability in Childhood and Aging
• Environmental Vulnerability and Climate Change
• Vulnerability and Resilience
• Care Ethics and Vulnerability
• Vulnerability in Law and Human Rights
• Narratives and Representations of Vulnerability
• Future Directions in Vulnerability Studies

Centre for Professional Ethics, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
Doris Schroeder, Kate Chatfield, Hazel Partington

Stellenbosch, Chennells Albertyn Attorneys, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Roger Chennells

Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
Joshua Kimani, Joyce Adhiambo Odhiambo

University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
Gillian Thomson

South African San Council, Upington, South Africa
Leana Snyders, Collin Louw

Book Title
Vulnerability Revisited

Book Subtitle
Leaving No One Behind in Research

Authors
Doris Schroeder, Kate Chatfield, Roger Chennells, Hazel Partington, Joshua Kimani, Gillian Thomson, … Collin Louw
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Series Title
SpringerBriefs in Research and Innovation Governance

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57896-0

eBook Packages
Religion and Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion (R0)

Copyright Information
The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2024

Softcover ISBN
978-3-031-57895-3
Published: 01 May 2024

eBook ISBN
978-3-031-57896-0
Published: 30 April 2024

Series ISSN
2452-0519

Series E-ISSN
2452-0527

Edition Number
1

Number of Pages
XIX, 145

Number of Illustrations
6 b/w illustrations, 12 illustrations in colour

Topics
Research Ethics, Nursing Ethics, Sustainable Development, Health Care Management