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Ethics for Anthropological Research and Practice

Linda M. Whiteford and Robert T. Trotter II

In this concise introduction to anthropological ethics, Whiteford and Trotter provide current and prospective researchers and practitioners with a solid foundation of ethical concepts and issues, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. They take into account both national and international discussions and practice of ethics. Together with equipping readers with essentials about ethics, the authors explore ethical problems common among anthropologists.

Ethical challenges often arise from the unanticipated consequences of a research design, from conflicts among stakeholders, or from the clash of two positive ethical principles—when adherence to one of the principles may violate another. Functioning both as a capstone and a learning tool, the last chapter presents a real-life ethical dilemma and introduces readers to a detailed problem-solving guide. Other pedagogical aids include end-of-chapter questions that inspire deeper thinking about ethical principles and issues, and five brief ethical dilemma cases for further enrichment and study.

$14.95 list, 130  pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-535-X

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-535-9

© 2008

Table of Contents

1. The Complex Nature of Ethics

Anthropology and Ethical Challenges / History of Ethical Principles and Guidelines in Anthropology / Applying Ethical Decision Making to Real-Life Problems / Anthropological Challenges and Culturally Sensitive Ethics

2. Legal Codes and Ethical Guidelines

Ethics Didn't Start with Science / Lest History Repeat Itself / Ethical Guidelines for Research in the United States / American Anthropology and Ethics / Ethical Dilemma: Female Genital Cutting

3. Principles for Ethical Research

The Basic Principles / The Right to Privacy and Other Basic Civil Rights / Ethical Dilemma: Moral Judgment in Alto do Cruzeiro

4. Respect for Persons

Voluntary Participation / Competence to Participate / Confidentiality / Informed Consent / Issues in Crosscultural Ethnographic Research / Ethical Dilemma: Voluntary Participation in Clinical Trials

5. Minimizing Harm and Maximizing Justice

Addressing Harm / Exploring the Actions Required by the Principle of Justice / Crosscultural Issues / Data Access, Control, and Dissemination / Ethical Dilemma: The Bío-Bío Case

6. Vulnerable Populations

The Need for Special Protections / The Community as a Vulnerable Population / Advocacy and Vulnerable Populations

7. Anthropological Ethical Problem-Solving Guide

Steps for Using the Ethical Problem-Solving Guide / Case Study: The Shooting Gallery / Ethical Dilemma: The Tungurahua Volcano

Epilogue