EthicsLeslie E. SponselLAST REVIEWED: 23 April 2021LAST MODIFIED: 30 August 2016DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199766567-0043IntroductionEthics in anthropology basically reflects general moral principles of what is bad and what is good in terms of what one should not do and what one should do as a professional in the discipline. However, in practice the emphasis is mostly on the negative; that is, in essence to avoid harm, and most of all to research subjects. Often concern with professional ethics within anthropology has been more reactive than proactive, and more a matter of defensive maneuvering to save face in public on the part of the individuals and organizations involved, rather than grappling with the issues head on let alone resolving them constructively and conclusively. Ethical concerns, and sometimes even actions such as new codes or revision of a previous one, intensify during periods when controversies and scandals erupt, especially if they reach the general public to threaten the image of the profession. Throughout the history of anthropology during the 20th century and into the present one, many of the ethical controversies, and some scandals as well, have erupted in connection with research associated with war, especially secret or clandestine work. Politics is usually involved as well, aggravating the difficulty and heat in issues. But there are numerous and diverse cases of ethical problems beyond the association with war as well because ethical dilemmas and choices are inevitable in many different kinds of situations. Most anthropologists try to be ethical in their own work even if they do not become engaged in controversies. Courses on professional ethics are rarely offered in departments of anthropology at universities and colleges for undergraduate and even graduate majors as an elective let alone as a requirement. However, a surprising abundance of useful literature and various codes of professional ethics are readily available for those individuals who are personally concerned to read, contemplate, and discuss them with others. Since the 1990s, and especially during the 2000s, there has been a measurable, marked increase in attention to professional ethics in anthropology in publications, conferences, and other venues. Much of this increased attention is obviously one of the positive results of the El Dorado Controversy, although there were also many negative results as well. However, when all is said and done, the ethical conduct of an anthropologist ultimately remains almost entirely a matter of personal morality and conscience in becoming familiar with and following the institutional codes and guidelines. This bibliography focuses on professional ethics in cultural anthropology in the United States for the most part because of limited space and other constraints. Show
General OverviewsA most useful survey of ethics in anthropology is provided by the foremost authority on the subject, who also published a concise chronology of historical developments (Fluehr-Lobban 1993, Fluehr-Lobban 1998, Fluehr-Lobban 2002). Earlier explorations of the subject remain useful and illustrate the diversity of opinion in some aspects of ethical matters (Cassell 1980). This diversity is also apparent in the Ethical Currents column of the American Anthropological Association’s (AAA) Anthropology News since 2009. Key questions are especially helpful to stimulate and guide thinking, discussion, and debate about ethical issues (Glazer 1996, Hoeyer and Hogle 2014, Kingsolver 2004, Pels 1999, Simpson 2011). At universities and elsewhere, institutional review boards or human subject research committees may present difficulties for anthropologists because their framework and guidelines are often based on rather different kinds of research such as psychological and biomedical experimentation (Marshall 2003). Filmmakers have become increasingly concerned with professional ethics in recent years (Perry and Marion 2010). Serious violations of professional ethics have sometimes led to public scandals as well as heated controversies (Robin 2004, Spencer 1996).
back to top Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on this page. Please subscribe or login. How to SubscribeOxford Bibliographies Online is available by subscription and perpetual access to institutions. For more information or to contact an Oxford Sales Representative click here. What ethical issues do anthropologists face in their research?The basic ethical principles to be maintained include doing good, not doing harm and protecting the autonomy, wellbeing, safety and dignity of all research participants. Researchers should be as objective as possible and avoid ethnocentricity. Any deception of participants should be fully justified.
How does anthropology relate to ethics?Ethics in anthropology basically reflects general moral principles of what is bad and what is good in terms of what one should not do and what one should do as a professional in the discipline.
Why is ethics important in anthropology?Ethical principles are vital for anthropologists because important ethical issues arise in their work. This set of principles is intended to heighten awareness of the ethical issues that face anthropologists, and to offer them workable guidelines to help resolve these issues.
What ethical issues does anthropology raise?Below are just a few of the many ethical concerns of anthropologists:. Anonymity. Anonymity is an important feature of research. ... . Honesty. Honesty is an evident and important quality for all anthropological research. ... . Objectivity. Anthropologists must continually strive to produce research that is objective. ... . Peer Reviewing.. |