Reading Response 14

Though each case study presented in Chapter Six of Critical Ethnography is unique and involves different ethical considerations, some of the ethical considerations apply to more than one of the studies. In both Joan and Robert's studies, there is a concern that the researchers will accidentally sensationalize the research participants. While Joan does not want to perpetuate the stereotype that African people are not "human," Robert is concerned that he will accidentally expose on of his participants and destroy his life. Whereas Joan worries about humiliating an entire group of people, Robert fears that he may destroy the life of one man by exposing his secret life. Both researchers face a dillema of exploiting their research participants without meaning to. Nia's ethical dillemna also plays a role in both Joan and Robert's studies. All three ethnographers are faced with the decision of what they can and should include in their published work while still protecting the causes and identities of their research participants.