Ethical dilemmas in representation: engaging participative youth

Abstract

This paper reflects upon the ways that multi-modal data and student productions enhance and challenge our methodologies and ethical commitments in our collaborative critical ethnographic research in youth media. We review recent research and theory related to multi-modal representations and we critically explore how our data are produced, including how claims are represented and substantiated in the findings. We consider, through specific examples, how youth media provides insights into the meaning-making and identity work of minority youth, while presenting new representational demands for traditional scholarly publication. In closing, we discuss perceived tensions in the representation and disembodiment of voice, confidentiality of youth participants and issues of empowerment evidenced in the communication of multi-modal research findings.