, HIN4801 ASSIGNMENT 5 ANSWERS - DUE DATE: 14 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1: ETHICS IN RESEARCH
1.1 Principles of justice and fairness in research about women
The principles of justice and fairness in research about women mean that all women should
be treated with dignity, respect and equality throughout the research process. Justice requires
researchers to ensure that the selection of participants, collection of information and
distribution of research benefits do not discriminate against women because of their gender,
race, social class, age, disability or economic circumstances. Fairness also requires
researchers to recognise that women experience different forms of inequality and may need
different forms of support to participate meaningfully in research (LenkaBula & Makofane,
2010).
Feminist, Womanist and Bosadi approaches emphasise women's lived experiences and
challenge social structures that maintain patriarchy, racism and sexism. These approaches
encourage researchers to recognise women as active participants who possess valuable
knowledge about their own lives rather than treating them merely as subjects of investigation.
LenkaBula and Makofane (2010) emphasise the importance of recognising African women's
agency and their ability to make decisions about their circumstances.
Justice also requires the fair selection of research participants. For example, a study
investigating women's experiences of unemployment should not only include educated
women living in urban areas. Women from rural communities, low-income households and
different racial backgrounds should also have opportunities to participate. Their inclusion can
help researchers understand the different barriers women experience.
Fairness further involves protecting participants from exploitation and ensuring that the risks
and benefits of research are distributed appropriately. Women should not be pressured into
participating because they depend financially on researchers or the institutions conducting
the study. They should also receive clear information about the purpose of the research and
how their information will be used.
QUESTION 1: ETHICS IN RESEARCH
1.1 Principles of justice and fairness in research about women
The principles of justice and fairness in research about women mean that all women should
be treated with dignity, respect and equality throughout the research process. Justice requires
researchers to ensure that the selection of participants, collection of information and
distribution of research benefits do not discriminate against women because of their gender,
race, social class, age, disability or economic circumstances. Fairness also requires
researchers to recognise that women experience different forms of inequality and may need
different forms of support to participate meaningfully in research (LenkaBula & Makofane,
2010).
Feminist, Womanist and Bosadi approaches emphasise women's lived experiences and
challenge social structures that maintain patriarchy, racism and sexism. These approaches
encourage researchers to recognise women as active participants who possess valuable
knowledge about their own lives rather than treating them merely as subjects of investigation.
LenkaBula and Makofane (2010) emphasise the importance of recognising African women's
agency and their ability to make decisions about their circumstances.
Justice also requires the fair selection of research participants. For example, a study
investigating women's experiences of unemployment should not only include educated
women living in urban areas. Women from rural communities, low-income households and
different racial backgrounds should also have opportunities to participate. Their inclusion can
help researchers understand the different barriers women experience.
Fairness further involves protecting participants from exploitation and ensuring that the risks
and benefits of research are distributed appropriately. Women should not be pressured into
participating because they depend financially on researchers or the institutions conducting
the study. They should also receive clear information about the purpose of the research and
how their information will be used.
