Navigating power imbalances in research with children and young people in shelters for domestic violence

Qual Soc Work. 2026 Jul 2;25(3-4):483-500. doi: 10.1177/14733250261444083. eCollection 2026 Jul.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the methodological approach from a doctoral research project based on an ethnography conducted with children and young people living in shelters for domestic violence. Guided by the principles of critical social work research, this study was co-constructed in partnership with a feminist umbrella organization representing shelters across the province of Quebec, Canada. This collaboration ensured that the research had meaningful outcomes for both theory and practice. In this paper, I discuss how methodological and theoretical decisions worked to reduce power imbalances throughout the research process, emphasizing the critical role of interpersonal relationships in data collection. Drawing on feminist care theory (Brannelly and Barnes, 2022) and principles of feminist intervention in shelters (Côté, 2017), I highlight the importance of play, adopting a “least adult” posture (Mandell, 2003), supporting the mothers and a child-centered approach to establishing connections and navigating traditional power dynamics. This approach enabled a deeper understanding of the children’s and young people’s lived experiences in shelters. The findings suggest that research with children and young people necessitates adapting traditional research methods to better align with their realities. This requires critical reflection and proactive actions – such as thoughtful methodological and theoretical choices – to address power imbalances between adult researchers and child participants.

PMID:42404682 | PMC:PMC13331339 | DOI:10.1177/14733250261444083