Ethics for Anthropological Research and Practice [Paperback]

Linda M. Whiteford (Author), Robert T. Trotter II (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 157766535X | ISBN-13: 978-1577665359 | Publication Date: May 30, 2008

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, issues, and considerations, and five brief ethical dilemma cases for further enrichment and study.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Essential reading for understanding the complex and potentially damaging nature of even the most 'well-intended' research." --Mary Lorena Kenny, Eastern Connecticut State University

From the Back Cover

"This is an extraordinarily informative and insightful book that provides a critical dimension to courses on research design and/or methods. The `ethical dilemma' case studies are excellent vehicles for discussion and the authors equip the reader not merely with instructive examples but with an informed capacity to apply key principles to ever-new and ethically challenging situations." -- Paul V. Kroskrity, University of California, Los Angeles

"The best quick overview available by far." -- Leslie E. Sponsel, University of Hawaii, Manoa

"This book is very much needed in teaching ethnography today." -- Denise Nuttall, Ithaca College

"I recommend it as an uniquely valuable text for undergraduate and graduate classes in research methods as well as a resource for Institutional Review Boards." -- Ann McElroy, University at Buffalo

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc (May 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157766535X
• ISBN-13: 978-1577665359
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars sorely needed basic book, July 12, 2008

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E. N. Anderson (Riverside, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ethics for Anthropological Research and Practice (Paperback)

A basic introductory text on anthropological ethics has been sorely needed for years, and this fills the bill. It deals especially with fieldwork and publishing problems, and provides a thorough introduction to IRB's, ethics codes, and other wonders. I could comment at enormous length on the issues raised, but prefer to confine myself here to the virtues of the book.
One thing, though, for the second edition (sure to come): It would be more useful if it contained the whole of the American Anthropological Association code of ethics, and also the code of ethics of the International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE), a society which has been especially careful, thorough, and conscious of the issues. Interested readers should definitely go to these websites (easily Googled) and check the codes.
There is a need for an advanced version of this book, discussing Kantian vs utilitarian vs virtue ethics and the whole grounding of social science ethics. These have been shifting from more utilitarian to more Kantian during my lifetime, with many unexpected and so far unanalyzed consequences. One is that any embarrassment or annoyance to consultants is now ruled unacceptable by many, even if that means denying the world an AIDS cure or a solution to global warming. We do not have much guidance in hard choices. Another problem has come with genocide, where concerns for national sovereignty now outweigh concerns for minorities being subjected to genocide. We need a major discussion in anthropology of issues like this. It has begun and is quite intense (see almost any issue of ANTHROPOLOGY NEWS), but a solid background looking at the classic ethical traditions is needed.
This book is the necessary first step, and will be invaluable for classes, field workers, IRB's, and others. Note that its relevance is not limited to anthropology. Aid workers, public health workers, sociologists and psychologists who do field work, and many others will want this book on their shelves.