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Inclusive researching of Islamophobia moral panic: A reflexive case study on ethics and online discourse
French, Paul T. J.
French, Paul T. J.
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2026-06-10
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- Embargoed until 2226-06-10
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Abstract
This case study explores how ethically reflexive and inclusive research can be conducted when examining politically sensitive topics—specifically Islamophobia and moral panic in post-9/11 Britain. Drawing on my doctoral research, it investigates how UK political and media elites constructed narratives of Islamist extremism and how these were echoed or contested through Facebook discourse. Using critical discourse analysis and thematic coding, the study analyzed approximately 2,000 headlines and 2,500 comments. Central to the methodology was the principle of “representing without reproducing,” achieved through paraphrasing, anonymization, and situational ethics. The study also foregrounds researcher well-being and emotional labor as ethical imperatives. This case offers practical insights for designing inclusive digital research, handling hostile online content responsibly, and embedding reflexivity throughout the research lifecycle—from sampling to dissemination.
Citation
French, P. T. J. (2026). Inclusive researching of Islamophobia moral panic: A reflexive case study on ethics and online discourse. SAGE Research Methods. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781036244569
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SAGE Publications
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SAGE Research Methods
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Article