Paper short abstract:

Two principles of informed consent are that people feel free to chose to take part in research and that they are able to withdraw at any time. Despite developed understandings of positionality and power, the influence of places and relationships on consent are often overlooked in ethical reflections

Paper long abstract:

Informed consent is underpinned by principles of openness and transparency, yet these can become compromised when research undertaken in different settings. Using Goffman's concept of total institutions I explore how conventional practices of ethical research are transformed within different settings and the ways which these transformations challenge ideas of the freedom and autonomy of participants. Drawing on different research projects carried out in UK prisons, with serving soldiers in army camps and with inpatients in hospitals, I explore the process and limitations of following established practices of 'consenting' people in research and suggest new ways of ethical engagement. Following Scott's identification of 'weapons of the weak' I reflect on my observations as to how people may negotiate and resist 'participation' in research without apparently refusing or withdrawing, and ways of working within these often invisible areas of ethical unease.