Work

Beyond Tokenism: Strategies to Co-Disseminate With Migrant Co-Researchers and Expand Their Roles in Neoliberal Academia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Academic researchers face significant challenges in achieving genuine participation during the dissemination phase when co-researching with forced migrants due to mobility restrictions, anonymity and security concerns, and limited time or resources. Co-dissemination often becomes tokenistic, perpetuating extractivist dynamics within neocolonial academic practice. Drawing on four initiatives in Spain, Belgium, and Australia that involve forced migrants as co-researchers, our contribution highlights the gap between participatory ideals and their practical implementation. We propose a participatory framework grounded in principles of Presence, Accountability, Reach, and Return to re-imagine ethical research practices that expand co-researchers' roles and prioritize meaningful and transformative co-dissemination.

Source: Qualitative Inquiry

DOI: 10.1177/10778004251412876

Authors: Irene Gutiérrez-Torres, Caroline Lenette, Isobel Blomfield, Alhouseine Diallo, Kevin Smets

Institutions: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900