Exporting ethics: a narrative about narrative research in South India

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Anthropology
• Bioethics

Background:

• Dominant Western research ethics discourse faces criticism for its universalist approach.
• There is a growing call for context-specific ethical frameworks in the human sciences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critique the limitations of universal research ethics principles.
• To advocate for an ethics-in-context approach using empirical data from South India.
• To explore the practical and inherent risks of applying Western ethical standards in non-Western settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research utilizing detailed personal fieldwork narratives from South India.
• Analysis of ethical conflicts related to informed consent and confidentiality.
• Theoretical engagement with scholars such as Bakhtin, Rabinow, and feminist scholars of the Indian diaspora.

Main Results:

• Identified significant problems with the universal application of Western research ethics concepts like informed consent and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated how emotions in the field play a crucial role in ethical decision-making.
• Highlighted the risks and practical challenges of ethical universalism in cross-cultural research.

Conclusions:

• Western research ethics are not universally applicable and require contextual adaptation.
• An ethics-in-context approach is essential for navigating complex ethical dilemmas in diverse cultural environments.
• Personal narratives and emotions are integral to ethical considerations in research.