Conductas éticas en la investigación social: experiencias en el trabajo de campo.

Name: Conductas éticas en la investigación social: experiencias en el trabajo de campo.
Uploaded: 2023-08-31T08:07:02.000Z
Duration: 4 h 10 min 27 s

Introduction to the Panel on Ethical Conduct in Social Research

Opening Remarks

The panel begins with a welcome to attendees both in-person and online via YouTube, marking the start of a conference organized by the Ethics Committee at the Institute of Social Research.

The speaker introduces key members of the organizing committee, including Dr. Anita Gir, Dr. Maximiliano García Guzmán, Dr. Ricardo Tirado Segura, and Maestra Rubbierna Andrés Ríos.

Importance of Ethical Conduct

The session focuses on ethical conduct in social research, emphasizing its significance in practical applications within fieldwork involving various social actors.

Three recognized academics are invited to share their experiences regarding ethical practices in social research.

Presentations by Key Academics

Introduction of Speakers

Dr. Raúl Pacheco Vega is introduced as an interdisciplinary researcher with expertise in mixed methods and public policy related to environmental issues.

Dr. Alice Ruiz Coronel is presented as an anthropologist focusing on complex systems and vulnerable populations, currently researching homelessness in Latin America.

Dr. Juan Guillermo Figueroa Perea is mentioned as participating remotely from Brazil; he specializes in reproductive behaviors and health policies.

Experience and Expertise

All three speakers have extensive experience engaging with diverse social actors and have provided significant reflections on ethical conduct within their research fields.

Discussion on Ethical Practices

Focus Areas for Presentations

Each participant will present their insights into ethical conduct during social research over approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Following presentations, there will be a dialogue among participants about central themes before opening up for audience questions.

Dr. Raúl Pacheco's Presentation

Overview of Topics Addressed

Dr. Pacheco discusses ethics specifically related to ethnographic fieldwork and the role of ethics committees in research.

He plans to share his experiences from FLACSO (Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences), addressing how these institutions respond to ethical challenges faced by researchers.

Research Ethics in Social Studies

Experience in Field Research

The speaker has extensive field research experience, focusing on ethnographic studies related to informal recycling across various countries including Spain, Mexico, Canada, France, Uruguay, Argentina, and Colombia since 2011.

They have also conducted research on water insecurity in Aguascalientes, San Miguel Allende, and León since 2014 and have been studying bottled water consumption for ten years in France.

Ethical Discussions in Human Research

The speaker introduces the topic of ethics in human research, noting that this discussion is relatively young and emerged primarily from unethical experiments conducted in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

They reference the Tuskegee Syphilis Study as a significant example of unethical practices where African American men were injected with syphilis without informed consent to study disease progression.

Notable Unethical Experiments

The Stanford prison experiment is mentioned as another case where participants were subjected to psychological stress under the guise of a study about authority obedience.

These historical examples led to the establishment of ethical guidelines for human subjects research through reports like the Belmont Report.

Evolution of Ethical Standards

Despite having nearly 45 years of discussions around ethics in research, challenges remain prevalent today.

Recent unethical practices are highlighted through an example involving forced payment for water services among impoverished communities in Nairobi.

Current Ethical Debates

In Mexico, discussions surrounding the distribution of ivermectin during the pandemic raised questions about ethical standards and conflicts of interest regarding its efficacy against COVID-19.

This situation sparked important conversations about ethics within public health interventions despite differing opinions on whether it constituted an experiment.

Fundamental Principles from the Belmont Report

The speaker outlines three core principles from the Belmont Report: respect for persons (informed consent), beneficence (maximizing benefits while minimizing harm), and justice (fair distribution of research benefits).

Respect for persons emphasizes that individuals should be informed about their participation rights and can withdraw consent at any time during a study.

Importance of Beneficence

Beneficence requires researchers to ensure that social investigations yield maximum benefits while minimizing risks to participants.

The speaker stresses that ethical considerations must guide decisions when conducting studies involving vulnerable populations such as those experiencing homelessness.

Justice and Ethical Considerations in Research

The Principle of Justice in Research

The principle of justice emphasizes equitable selection of research subjects, ensuring no group bears excessive burdens. This is particularly relevant in caregiving studies where participants may already have high workloads.

Ethical Considerations for Caregivers

Researchers must consider the ethical implications of adding to caregivers' existing burdens by requiring their participation in interviews or surveys. Reducing this load is crucial for ethical research practices.

Interview Design and Participant Burden

A rejected proposal included 52 questions for caregivers, highlighting the need to avoid overwhelming participants. Fewer questions are recommended to minimize attrition and respect participants' time and energy.

Teaching Ethical Research Practices

Educators should teach that qualitative methods should not include lengthy interviews; even ten questions can be too many. This reflects a broader frustration with current research methodologies.

Informed Consent Elements

Ethical research requires three elements of informed consent: approval from an ethics committee, access to communities, and obtaining consent from individuals involved in the study.

Ethics Throughout the Research Process

Ethics should permeate all stages of research, not just when submitting proposals for committee review. Researchers must integrate ethical considerations into every aspect of their work.

Researcher Responsibilities Towards Communities

Elevating Voices Rather Than Giving Them

Researchers do not give voice to marginalized groups; instead, they elevate these voices within academic discourse. This distinction is vital for ethical representation in research.

Committed Ethnography Framework

A framework proposed includes three key elements: positionality (researcher's relationship with the community), reflexivity (ongoing self-reflection on power dynamics), and participant engagement both inside and outside the community context.

Navigating Community Engagement

In ethnographic studies, researchers must balance immersion within communities while maintaining a clear boundary as observers. Understanding when to step back is essential for ethical practice.

Potential Harm in Research Practices

Representation vs. Storytelling

Researchers are storytellers who share community narratives with permission rather than acting as representatives. They must ensure that stories are told ethically without misrepresentation or exploitation.

Avoiding Harm to Participants

It’s critical to assess whether research activities could harm subjects being studied, especially vulnerable populations like those experiencing homelessness.

Emotional Impact on Researchers

Long-term engagement with vulnerable communities can lead researchers to experience emotional distress due to witnessing poverty and suffering firsthand, emphasizing the need for self-care among researchers working in sensitive areas.

Ethics in Research: Addressing Vulnerability and Protection

The Challenges of Studying Vulnerable Communities

The speaker discusses the emotional toll of researching violence, crime, and missing persons, particularly in vulnerable communities. They express empathy for families searching for lost loved ones.

Emphasizes the necessity of psychological support for researchers dealing with difficult topics, highlighting that these issues are often overlooked in discussions about research ethics.

Ethical Considerations in Conflict Zones

The speaker notes that while much is discussed regarding research ethics in violent conflict zones globally, Mexico is also experiencing significant violence that necessitates similar ethical considerations.

Introduces a book titled "Etnografía en Acción," which includes contributions from Latin American researchers discussing how to ethically conduct research without harming participants.

Institutional Review Boards and Ethical Guidelines

Discusses the importance of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), referencing Canadian guidelines (TCPS 2) as a model for ethical human research practices.

Mentions collaboration with various universities to ensure compliance with ethical standards and the need for all institutions to have robust IRB processes.

Framework for Ethical Research Practices

Outlines a three-level approach taught to students to assess whether their proposed research is ethical, focusing on protecting individuals and communities from potential harm caused by the research itself.

Highlights the role of national bioethics commissions in establishing ethical committees within health sectors but notes a lack of such structures in social sciences across many Mexican institutions.

Development of Ethical Codes and Future Directions

Describes participation in creating an open-access code of ethics at FLACSO Mexico, which includes guidelines based on Belmont Report principles tailored to specific contexts like indigenous communities and vulnerable populations.

Advocates for all Mexican universities to establish IRBs and emphasizes training on social research ethics starting from undergraduate education to foster responsible practices among future researchers.

Importance of Ethics Across All Research Types

Stresses that all forms of human observation require adherence to ethical review processes, even when using existing data or conducting observational studies without direct data collection.

Concludes by reiterating the significance of maintaining high ethical standards across all types of social science research involving human subjects.

Ethics in Research: Key Insights and Discussions

Introduction to the Ethical Committee's Discussion

The speaker emphasizes the need for more information regarding current events at FLACSO, suggesting a deeper exploration of ethical considerations.

Dr. Coronel expresses enthusiasm for discussing ethics in research, indicating that her presentation will align with previous discussions in the conference cycle.

Common Themes in Ethical Discussions

The speaker references Dr. Teresa Yuren’s slide on four aspects of ethics, highlighting shared ethical certainties within the scientific community.

Fundamental principles such as respect for individuals and non-harm are identified as core tenets that are largely unquestionable within the community.

The Role of Ethics Codes and Regulations

There is a call for establishing an ethical framework that governs actions, referencing Dr. José Ramón Cosío’s discussion on ethics, morality, and law.

The importance of university ethics codes and committees is highlighted as essential for maintaining regulated conduct among researchers.

Moral Consciousness and Ethical Dilemmas

Dr. Jorge Linares Salgado discusses moral consciousness as an internal dialogue about obligations towards others, emphasizing ongoing discussions within communities.

Ethical dilemmas arise even among those who share common codes of ethics, illustrating complexities in practical applications.

Philosophical Underpinnings of Ethics

The speaker references Hegel's concepts of "beautiful souls" versus responsible moral action, stressing the risks associated with subjective moral reasoning.

A distinction is made between acting out of fear versus genuine moral responsibility when conducting scientific work.

Anthropology's Influence on Ethical Practices

Fieldwork experiences are framed within earlier discussed phases of ethical considerations; anthropology plays a significant role in shaping these discussions.

Classical authors' insights into human nature inform contemporary ethical questions about knowledge and action.

Conclusion: Human Dignity as an Ethical Imperative

An imperative to treat humanity—both oneself and others—as ends rather than means is emphasized as foundational to ethical practice.

The challenge lies in distinguishing when individuals are treated merely as means versus being recognized as ends in themselves.

Ethical Dilemmas in Anthropology and Human Rights

The Kantian Ethical Imperative

The ethical problem is considered resolved by the Kantian imperative, yet discrepancies exist between words and actions. This necessitates regulation, primarily through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Universal Human Rights vs. Implementation

Despite a universal acknowledgment that all humans possess equal rights, these rights must be codified and are often not upheld. The UN was established as a response to egregious acts against humanity.

Historical Atrocities Linked to Anthropology

Notably, Joseph Mengele's horrific experiments during the Nazi regime were conducted under the guise of anthropology, which provided pseudoscientific justification for racial differences that dehumanized others.

Risks of Anthropological Practice

Anthropology aims to be a responsible consciousness but risks becoming capricious by shifting justifications for its practices. It transitioned from transcendental philosophy to a science reliant on ethnography, leading to potential ethical dilemmas in research methodologies.

Evolving Nature of Ethnographic Research

Ethnography seeks to capture indigenous perspectives; however, it complicates the relationship between researcher and subject as both become intertwined in the study process. This mutual influence alters identities and perceptions within anthropological research contexts.

Identity Alteration Through Interaction

Engaging with different cultures challenges one's own identity; understanding another's perspective can clarify one’s nature as well—highlighting how anthropological exchanges impact both parties involved in research.

Challenges of Subjectivity in Data Collection

Anthropologists face difficulties due to the subjective nature of their sources—memories and behaviors rather than stable documents—which increases risks of data manipulation or misinterpretation during analysis.

Cultural Relativism vs Ethical Standards

Cultural relativism poses challenges for anthropology; while it is essential for understanding diverse perspectives, researchers must also recognize universal principles such as autonomy and justice when conducting studies involving human subjects.

Methodological Necessity for Relativism

A methodological commitment to relativism is crucial for approaching other cultures authentically while acknowledging universal ethical standards applicable in human subject research contexts, ensuring respect and integrity throughout investigations.

Ethical Considerations in Research and Practice

The Role of Dialogue in Ethical Decision-Making

Engaging with colleagues is essential for clarifying doubts about ethical practices, emphasizing the importance of collaborative discussions to determine the best course of action.

Acknowledgment of Ricardo's efforts in establishing a code of ethics for social anthropology highlights the discipline's unique responsibilities when conducting fieldwork.

Foundations of Moral Consciousness

Ethical decision-making is influenced by universal principles, personal experiences, and aspirations, suggesting that repeated ethical practice enhances one's ability to make sound decisions.

Intuition plays a significant role in ethics; individuals often have an innate sense of right and wrong that transcends formal regulations.

Case Study: Open Consultation Project During COVID-19

The "Open Consultation" project emerged from recognizing the plight of homeless individuals during lockdown, aiming to provide necessary health services while addressing their unique challenges.

The project involved purchasing COVID tests and conducting various health assessments to understand the conditions faced by homeless populations.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Despite passing through multiple ethics committees, researchers still face unresolved ethical dilemmas that require open discussion rather than being swept under the rug.

Informed consent remains problematic; many participants do not fully understand what they are consenting to, particularly vulnerable populations like those experiencing homelessness.

Communication Challenges in Vulnerable Populations

Studies indicate low comprehension rates regarding informed consent among patients; this issue is exacerbated for illiterate individuals who may not grasp critical information about procedures or risks.

The principle of cooperation in communication suggests that mutual understanding between researchers and participants may not always be achieved, especially when motivations differ.

Balancing Ethics with Practical Needs

Providing meals during health consultations addresses immediate survival needs but raises questions about transparency and honesty in research interactions.

Researchers must consider the potential harm caused by their interventions while striving to meet both ethical standards and practical necessities for vulnerable groups.

Research Design and Ethical Considerations in Medical Studies

Overview of Research Design

The speaker discusses a specific research design involving minimal physical intervention, such as taking a blood sample, which is predictable and quantifiable.

They highlight the ethical implications of exposing students to potentially distressing realities during interviews with vulnerable populations.

Ethical Dilemmas in Research

The speaker emphasizes that while student participation is voluntary, there are inherent risks involved, especially during the COVID pandemic.

They reflect on the emotional challenges faced by students when confronting harsh realities of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Balancing Ethics and Education

The discussion touches on the ethical dilemma of whether to shield students from difficult truths or prepare them for their future roles as medical professionals.

A poignant example is given about moral choices made in emergency situations, illustrating how society often overlooks suffering.

Action Research Approach

The speaker advocates for an action research model that seeks to create change rather than merely observe, despite potential risks involved.

They assert that ethical considerations permeate every aspect of research, including how results are utilized to benefit communities.

Complexity of Ethical Norms

The conversation concludes with acknowledgment of the complexity surrounding ethics in research; it cannot be easily standardized due to varying contexts and dilemmas.

Personal Reflections on Demography and Ethics

Background and Introduction

Dr. Juan Guillermo Figueroa introduces himself, sharing his diverse academic background in philosophy and mathematics before transitioning into demography.

Ethical Concerns in Demographic Studies

He recounts experiences from the late 1970s regarding demographic growth discussions that raised ethical questions about reproductive rights versus population control measures.

Tension Between Rights and Regulations

Figueroa expresses concern over balancing individual reproductive rights with imposed demographic goals set by authorities.

Professional Journey Influenced by Ethics

His career path shifted towards demography due to these ethical dilemmas, leading him to work within health sectors where he encountered various ethical frameworks like Belmont Report guidelines.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Impact of Demographic Surveys on Women's Reproductive Rights

The speaker discusses the ethical care in research, highlighting demographic surveys conducted with doctors and demographers from 1982 to 1987, revealing alarming instances of women being sterilized against their will.

In the last survey mentioned, a national module was included to analyze how women using definitive methods like sterilization were often not consulted, with over 10% reporting lack of informed consent.

Despite expectations for informed consent processes, many women indicated they were not considered in decisions regarding their reproductive health.

Feminist Perspectives and Personal Identity

Notable feminist colleagues expressed interest in the surveys aimed at denouncing violations of women's reproductive rights; the speaker clarifies their non-feminist identity but emphasizes their focus on ethics and human rights.

The speaker recounts conversations with feminists questioning how they came to conduct research supporting women's reproductive rights despite identifying as non-feminist.

Development of Ethical Standards in Social Research

The speaker transitioned to teaching at El Colegio de México and noted a lack of bioethics programs compared to FLACSO Argentina, where such programs existed.

When raising concerns about ethical codes among social researchers, responses reflected a belief that social scientists do not require ethical guidelines as they do not experiment on populations.

It took ten years for El Colegio de México to propose initial ethical principles; however, there remains no established ethics committee as of 2023 to evaluate compliance with these principles.

Challenges in Establishing Ethical Practices

Colleagues from health fields questioned the authority of social researchers without formal ethical evaluations for their projects, indicating ongoing challenges in establishing credibility within research practices.

There is an ongoing effort to create awareness around ethical dilemmas faced by social researchers; however, some resist discussions around ethics fearing it may limit academic freedom or impose censorship.

Training Future Researchers on Ethics

The distinction between medical practice and social research is emphasized; both have different objects of study requiring tailored approaches to ethics without hierarchizing them.

The speaker reflects on past experiences discussing ethics with anthropologists who viewed it as a threat rather than a necessity for responsible research practices.

Unlike medical training that includes ethics education, similar structured training is lacking for future social researchers at institutions like UNAM. Efforts are made to integrate discussions about ethical dilemmas into curricula.

Ethical Dilemmas in Social Research and Consent

Discussion on Ethical Cases in Medicine and Law

Students studying case studies identify challenging cases in medicine, paralleling discussions held with law students. This approach aims to monitor ethical diagrams emerging from demographic, sociological, and anthropological research.

Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Data Usage

Some researchers express surprise at the ethical dilemmas faced by sociologists, particularly regarding data usage. Demographers often utilize databases they did not create (e.g., surveys, censuses), leading to debates about the ethical implications of using such data.

The Complexity of Data Manipulation

Even if researchers do not collect data directly from individuals, their manipulation of this data can influence public policies negatively against those who provided it. This raises significant ethical concerns about responsibility and impact.

Diversifying Ethical Principles

The speaker emphasizes the need to diversify the semantics of ethical principles beyond traditional views. Feminist perspectives challenge universal principles like autonomy and justice by highlighting overlooked dimensions related to bodily integrity and individual decision-making.

Rethinking Informed Consent

The concept of consent is critiqued; it is suggested that consent often serves as a protective measure for researchers rather than genuinely empowering participants. Philosophically, true consent requires the ability to dissent—if options are limited, acceptance may not equate to informed consent.

Active vs Passive Confidentiality

Confidentiality is discussed as a passive act where secrets are kept without engagement. The speaker advocates for "active confidentiality," where researchers take responsibility for their knowledge and engage meaningfully with participants' stories.

Commitment Beyond Academic Requirements

Many students pursue research merely for academic credentials rather than a commitment to their subjects or communities. There’s an emphasis on fostering a sense of responsibility towards those involved in research processes.

Decision-Making Responsibility in Research

Researchers often default to stating that findings will be shared with policymakers but overlook that the primary stakeholders—the populations studied—should also be considered decision-makers regarding how results are used.

Promises Made During Education

At UNAM, graduates make promises regarding the use of their knowledge for societal benefit during graduation rituals. However, there’s concern that society may not hold them accountable for these commitments post-graduation.

Accountability Post-Graduation

The speaker expresses a desire for greater awareness among graduates about societal expectations concerning accountability for their professional actions based on promises made during their education.

Discussion on Ethical Conduct in Research

The Role of Consciousness in Ethical Accountability

The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal accountability, suggesting that individuals should not only be held accountable by society and the university but also by their own conscience regarding ethical conduct.

Promoting Ethical Behavior through Education

There is a focus on developing pedagogical materials aimed at training students across various disciplines to engage in ethical analysis, highlighting the need for such training even if it wasn't part of their formal education.

Identifying Ethical Dilemmas

The discussion touches upon how to recognize potential ethical dilemmas throughout one's academic career, stressing the necessity of preparation for these challenges.

Starting Points for Ethical Discussions

Acknowledgment is made about the importance of initiating discussions on promoting ethical behavior in research as a foundational step towards addressing broader ethical issues.

Audience Engagement and Comments

The speaker invites comments from both physical and virtual attendees, indicating an openness to dialogue and further exploration of topics discussed.

Ethics in Demographic Surveys

Concerns About Survey Length and Participant Comfort

A participant raises concerns about the ethics of conducting lengthy demographic surveys (60-80 questions), questioning whether it's appropriate to impose such demands on respondents who may feel uncomfortable.

Balancing Research Needs with Participant Well-being

It is noted that researchers must ensure participants are informed about survey duration upfront, allowing them to opt-out if they feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable during interviews.

Challenges Faced by Caregivers in Research

Specific Considerations for Caregiver Interviews

Discussion highlights that interviewing caregivers requires sensitivity due to their existing burdens; lengthy questionnaires could exacerbate their stress levels and violate principles of fair distribution.

Methodological Adjustments for Sensitive Populations

Emphasis is placed on adapting research methods when working with vulnerable populations like caregivers. Researchers are encouraged to design shorter surveys that respect participants' time constraints.

Innovative Approaches: Storytelling in Research

Utilizing Storytelling as a Research Tool

An example is provided where storytelling was used instead of traditional interviews. This method allowed participants to share their experiences without feeling pressured by structured questions, thus reducing their burden while still gathering valuable data.

Importance of Understanding Caregiver Experiences

The use of storytelling helped reconstruct the workload faced by caregiver women without imposing additional stress, showcasing an innovative approach to qualitative research methodologies.

Audience Questions and Reflections

Engaging with Academic Work

An audience member introduces themselves as a doctoral student focusing on public policies related to homelessness, expressing appreciation for previous work done by another speaker which has influenced their research direction significantly.

Justification for Targeting Specific Groups

A question arises regarding how researchers justify working with specific groups, indicating ongoing reflections about ethical considerations within social science research contexts.

Discussion on Ethical Research in Vulnerable Populations

The Impact of COVID-19 on Field Research

The speaker expresses admiration for the researcher's insights, highlighting how their work challenges conventional thinking and inspires deeper reflection.

A personal anecdote is shared about attempting to conduct fieldwork with homeless individuals during the pandemic, emphasizing the challenges posed by health risks and ethical considerations.

The researcher recalls being advised against conducting fieldwork due to strict ethical guidelines and safety concerns during a time of high contagion.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Research

A question arises regarding how researchers justify their roles in conducting studies involving vulnerable populations, particularly amidst global crises like pandemics.

The speaker reflects on seeking guidance from various professors about qualitative methods, indicating an ongoing struggle to find a satisfactory answer to ethical dilemmas in research.

Personal Reflections on Anthropology and Ethics

Gratitude is expressed towards another researcher who emphasizes the importance of morality and human experience in research, suggesting that intuition often guides decision-making over pure rationality.

The speaker shares their academic background in anthropology, noting its rich tradition of action-oriented research aimed at enacting social change despite facing criticism for potential biases.

Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

The discussion shifts to the value of making mistakes within the learning process, arguing that fear of failure can hinder progress and prevent meaningful engagement with communities.

Acknowledging personal risk when engaging with vulnerable populations is highlighted as essential; however, it’s also noted that not acting poses greater risks for those affected by systemic issues.

Voluntary Participation and Community Engagement

The researcher describes implementing voluntary participation among students for vaccination efforts during the pandemic while considering moral imperatives to act despite potential risks involved.

Approximately 500 homeless individuals were vaccinated through these efforts; this outcome underscores the necessity of such initiatives given that many would not have received vaccinations otherwise.

Addressing Communication Gaps During Crisis

It’s noted that many individuals living on the streets lacked access to critical information about the pandemic due to limited media exposure, which further exacerbated their vulnerability.

The conversation touches upon ethical considerations surrounding photographic evidence in research involving marginalized groups, stressing the importance of maintaining dignity throughout such processes.

Discussion on Ethical Representation in Anthropology

The Dilemma of Evidence Collection

The speaker discusses the importance of maintaining the dignity of individuals while collecting evidence, highlighting a tension between showing reality and respecting personal boundaries.

They question whether displaying certain realities serves as a stimulus for others, pondering the ethical implications of such actions.

Visual Anthropology and Its Impact

The conversation touches on visual anthropology, emphasizing that sometimes it is necessary to confront uncomfortable truths that society tends to ignore.

An example is given about street performers (fakirs) who display their suffering to provoke reactions from passersby, illustrating how this can reinforce societal stigmas rather than alleviate them.

Agency and Consent in Photography

The speaker reflects on how individuals often request photos to combat stigma surrounding their situations, asserting that consent is crucial in these interactions.

They emphasize the need for academic rigor by obtaining consent forms when documenting experiences through photography, ensuring transparency in research practices.

Balancing Knowledge Generation with Ethical Responsibility

There’s a dual commitment: generating reliable knowledge while respecting individual autonomy. This includes anonymizing data collected during research.

The speaker stresses that if someone declines to be photographed or named, their wishes must be respected without exception.

Critical Perspectives on Anthropological Practices

A personal reflection reveals a critical stance towards traditional anthropological methods, particularly regarding representation and naming vulnerable populations.

Citing Ana Gutiérrez Garza's work with sex workers in Latin America, they highlight the complexities involved when subjects wish to be identified versus the researcher’s ethical obligations.

Identity Protection Through Non-identifiable Research

The discussion continues around non-identifiable photography practices aimed at protecting individuals' identities while still conveying important narratives.

Emphasizing anonymity ensures that vulnerable groups are not further marginalized or exposed through research outputs.

This structured approach captures key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Discussion on Informal Recycling and Public Policy

The Role of Informal Recyclers

The speaker discusses their engagement with informal recyclers, particularly those living on the streets who recycle materials like cardboard. This connection highlights the intersection of social issues and environmental practices.

Ethical Considerations in Research

A reflection on the importance of naming individuals in research, emphasizing a strategic approach akin to chess—thinking several steps ahead regarding potential consequences.

Power Dynamics in Social Issues

The speaker mentions using photography as a tool for advocacy, specifically capturing actions by public officials that may violate the rights of homeless individuals. This raises questions about power dynamics and accountability.

Autonomy and Self-Care in Research

An inquiry into ethical self-care practices among researchers working with vulnerable populations, such as families of victims of violence. It emphasizes the emotional toll involved in conducting interviews and transcribing sensitive information.

Ethical Dilemmas with Public Data

A discussion about accessing violent incidents captured on video without consent from involved parties. This raises significant ethical questions regarding privacy and consent in research involving publicly available data.

Reflections on Evaluation Processes

Institutional Certainty vs. Personal Experience

The speaker reflects on their work in evaluation, questioning whether traditional methods provide genuine institutional certainty or merely surface-level insights into participant experiences during assessments.

Student Engagement and Accountability

There is an emphasis on instilling a sense of responsibility among students upon graduation, suggesting that they should not only receive academic credentials but also commit to societal obligations through signed agreements reflecting their responsibilities as graduates.

Discussion on Ethical Considerations in Anthropology

Reflections on Rights and Responsibilities

The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing rights within various professional settings, suggesting that individuals should be aware of their entitlements when engaging with professionals like doctors or lawyers.

Student Perspectives on Work Usage

A student reflects on their experience as an anthropology major, questioning the implications of how their work might be utilized by others, particularly in relation to sensitive subjects.

Concerns Over Misuse of Work

Another student raises concerns about the potential misuse of their photographic work if it falls into the hands of individuals they do not wish to associate with, highlighting a desire for control over how their creations are used.

Challenges in Fieldwork and Censorship

A student shares experiences from fieldwork where they encountered censorship while documenting violence faced by local merchants, indicating a struggle between academic inquiry and ethical responsibilities.

Emotional Safety in Research

Questions arise regarding emotional safety during research involving violent contexts. Students seek guidance on how to navigate terminology and classifications without jeopardizing personal safety or that of participants.

Ethical Codes and Data Management

Discussion on Ethical Codes

A participant comments on the existing ethical code for anthropology, noting its inadequacies and calling for urgent revisions to better address contemporary issues faced by anthropologists.

Use of Sensitive Data

The conversation shifts to the handling of sensitive data, particularly photographs from historical archives. There is concern over using such materials without considering the implications for families connected to those images.

Historical Context and Responsibility

The discussion highlights a lack of awareness regarding historical data usage. Participants stress that many researchers overlook the potential consequences when sharing information about identifiable individuals from past records.

Need for Careful Data Handling

Emphasis is placed on understanding legal frameworks surrounding archival data in Mexico. Participants express concern over inadequate compliance with existing laws governing sensitive information management.

Self-Care Initiatives

Reference is made to discussions around self-care among researchers working under stressful conditions. It’s noted that there are efforts within psychology circles to create support networks aimed at enhancing researcher well-being during challenging fieldwork situations.

Discussion on Research Ethics and Community Support

Importance of Affordable Consultations

The discussion begins with the idea of providing reduced-price consultations for students, emphasizing the need for accessible support in various situations.

Responses from Panelists

A final round of comments is initiated, allowing each panelist three minutes to address interesting points raised during the discussion. Juan Guillermo is invited to speak first.

Research as a Universal Endeavor

Juan Guillermo references Paulo Freire, stating that anyone can engage in research if it is relevant and conducted rigorously. He emphasizes sensitivity in research practices.

Rights of Researchers

He highlights the importance of community support for researchers, mentioning articles discussing researchers' rights, particularly regarding their health and well-being.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Juan Guillermo shares an anecdote about a colleague who justified ethical breaches only when necessary to obtain information related to social issues while maintaining confidentiality.

Promises and Accountability in Research

He discusses the importance of keeping promises made to research subjects, suggesting that students should display their commitments visibly as reminders.

Ethical Responsibilities and Challenges

Shared Responsibility in Ethical Oversight

The conversation shifts to the role of tutors in ensuring ethical standards are upheld during research projects, indicating a shared responsibility between students and mentors.

Need for Discussion on Archival Ethics

Juan Guillermo raises concerns about ethical dilemmas surrounding archival materials, questioning permissions related to sharing personal correspondence among notable figures.

Complexity Science Perspective

Realistic Problem-Solving Approaches

Ali introduces his experience at a complexity science center, advocating for realistic approaches to problem-solving rather than seeking ideal solutions.

Understanding Human Limitations

He discusses recognizing human limitations when addressing complex issues, acknowledging that not all problems can be solved optimally due to unpredictability.

Personal Experiences with Sensitive Topics

Navigating Emotional Challenges

Ali recounts his experience working with sensitive topics like child sexual abuse at UNICEF, explaining how emotional overload led him to step back from certain areas of research.

Collective Action Beyond Academia

He mentions a collective called "Psicocale," which focuses on street people despite initial academic hesitations. This illustrates how activism can complement academic pursuits.

Encouragement for Pursuing Passionate Interests

Exploring Alternative Paths

Ali encourages individuals not to abandon their interests even if academia isn't the sole path available. He stresses following one's intuition towards meaningful engagement.

Ethics in Research: Key Insights and Discussions

Importance of Ethical Considerations in Research

The speaker emphasizes the fundamental role of ethics in research, highlighting its importance for personal fulfillment as a human being.

Acknowledges the ethical dilemmas faced during covert fieldwork, sharing experiences from conducting research without revealing their identity as a researcher.

Discusses the significance of confidentiality when reporting on sensitive topics, utilizing techniques like "narrative composition" to protect identities.

Techniques for Maintaining Confidentiality

Introduces the method of creating composite characters to anonymize subjects, ensuring that real identities remain undisclosed while still conveying authentic narratives.

Critiques undercover ethnography practices, advocating for honesty and transparency in research methodologies while recognizing situations where covert methods may be necessary.

Managing Information and Student Training

Stresses the need to teach students about information management and storage, particularly regarding interview data and maintaining anonymity.

Describes protocols for anonymizing data access, emphasizing collective responsibility within research teams to safeguard sensitive information.

Personal Well-being and Community Support

Shares personal experiences regarding health challenges faced during intensive work periods, underscoring that academic success should not come at the cost of one's health or life.

Highlights the importance of community support among researchers, advocating for building networks that provide both knowledge-sharing and emotional assistance.

Challenges Faced by Ethics Committees

Reflects on the disconnect between ethics committees' guidelines and actual research practices in social sciences, especially concerning interactions with diverse populations.

Calls for more spaces to discuss ethical challenges encountered by researchers across various disciplines, aiming to foster shared learning experiences.