Ethical research in cash-transfer programs

Abstract

The number of cash-transfer programs around the world, as academic experiments and government policies, has grown multi-fold in the last few years, generating great political, policy, and academic interest. However, little is explicitly discussed around the ethical implications of conducting research on such programs. This paper draws on learnings from conducting qualitative research in a universal basic income pilot in urban slums in India over 24 months. It highlights the unique challenges of power and positionality, informed consent, and respect and sensitivity that arise when researching cash-transfer projects. It argues for a recognition of the unique research dynamics engendered by such programs, and the need for more embedded, long-term, relational, reflexive, and trauma-informed research practices to navigate them. The paper concludes by reflecting on the role of university ethics boards in building a more robust and supportive ethical literacy and oversight infrastructure for research capacity and responsible research.