A Feminist Digital Practice on Trust and Care: The Case of Ageing Migrant Caregivers in Italy

This study contributes to feminist research by emphasizing the importance of care as an ethical framework in social research, particularly when working with vulnerable populations such as older migrant women caregivers. Traditional academic research often overlooks the well-being of participants, leading to potential biases and extractive practices. This study seeks to address these concerns by fostering meaningful, reciprocal relationships between researchers and participants, thus advancing a feminist ethic of care. Based on 60 in-depth interviews with caregivers from diverse cultural backgrounds, the research highlights the role of digital technology as a tool for ethical engagement. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp proved invaluable in facilitating ongoing communication, care exchanges, and trust-building throughout the research process. These technologies not only bridged generational and cultural gaps but also challenged the assumption that older individuals are less adept with digital tools. Instead, the study demonstrates how these platforms can enhance the ethical conduct of research by creating non-intrusive yet effective ways of maintaining relationships. The relevance of this research lies in its feminist approach to care as an ethical practice in research, arguing that relationships with participants should adapt to their specific needs and contexts. By integrating care into research methodologies, the study advocates for more responsible, respectful, and participant-centered approaches that not only generate knowledge but also nurture genuine connections.