Whose autonomy is it? Botswana socio-ethical approach to the consenting process.

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Social Science Research

Background:

• The traditional bioethics framework, centered on individual autonomy, is insufficient for understanding collective agency in research.
• Fieldwork experiences highlighted the need to adapt ethical frameworks to local contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore collective moral claims and their justification within bioethical research.
• To examine fieldwork bioethical experiences in Botswana communities.
• To inform current bioethical standpoints by considering social autonomy realities.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative reflection on fieldwork bioethical experiences.
• Divergence from traditional individual autonomy frameworks to incorporate collective agency.
• Analysis of the consenting process in Botswana communities.

Main Results:

• The consenting process in Botswana communities differs significantly from conventional research ethics.
• Collective agency and the role of community leaders (Kgosi) influence the autonomy process.

Conclusions:

• Current bioethical frameworks require adaptation to accommodate collective agency and social autonomy.
• Further research is needed on the involvement of Kgosi to enhance human subject protection in Botswana.
• Findings offer insights for human subject research in Botswana and similar socio-cultural settings.