"Unmasking Ethics-Washing”
Uncovering Ethics-Washing: The Danger of Performative Actions in Ignoring Real Ethical Concerns.
Ethics-washing is a term used to describe the practice of publicly announcing ethical considerations and intentions, without actually following through with meaningful actions. It is a concerning phenomenon, particularly in the context of research, as it can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the misuse of research findings.
To help you better understand ethics-washing, we have compiled four examples of this phenomenon from Paola Buedo and Marcin Waligora, affiliated with the Research Ethics in Medicine Study Group (REMEDY) at the Department of Philosophy and Bioethics at Jagiellonian University Medical College.
The first example involves researchers who claim that their research has no ethical issues, but are asked by a funding organization to have an ethics advisor. Rather than allocating a budget for ethical considerations, they ask the advisor to sign a report confirming that they are compliant with ethical standards. This is a clear example of ethics-washing, as it prioritizes appearing to be ethical over actually implementing ethical practices.
The second example involves researchers who consider the ethics section of their research proposal to be a "tick box exercise." They ask for help from an ethics advisor in their spare time, rather than dedicating proper resources and attention to this critical aspect of their research. This approach is unethical and demonstrates a lack of commitment to meaningful ethical considerations.
The third example involves experienced researchers who believe that they don't need an ethics advisor because they "know how to do good science." This attitude is problematic as it dismisses the importance of ethical considerations in research and implies that experienced researchers are somehow exempt from ethical obligations.
The fourth example involves researchers who prioritize efficiency over ethical considerations by rushing participants to sign informed consent forms. They assume that participants will not understand the content and pressure them to sign quickly, disregarding the ethical principle of informed consent.
In all of these examples, ethics-washing is used to appear ethical while prioritizing other aspects of research. However, it is important to recognize that ethics is not a "box to tick" or an inconvenience to be avoided. Rather, it is an essential component of research that requires careful consideration and meaningful action.
As members of multicultural communities, BIPOC individuals, and advocates for social responsibility, we must remain vigilant against ethics-washing. It is essential to hold researchers and institutions accountable for their ethical obligations and demand meaningful action, not just performative lip service.
By promoting genuine ethical considerations in research and beyond, we can work towards a more just and equitable society. Remember to ask questions, demand accountability, and advocate for meaningful ethical practices. Together, we can combat ethics-washing and promote a culture of ethical responsibility.