Governing human subjects research in the USA: individualized ethics and structural inequalities

Author: Fisher, Jill A.

Source: Science and Public Policy, Volume 34, Number 2, March 2007 , pp. 117-126(10)

Publisher: Beech Tree Publishing

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

The abuse of human subjects has always been, and continues to be, a problem in the United States. In spite of regulation to protect subjects, the exploitation of disenfranchised groups and the reproduction of social inequalities are entrenched in the American research enterprise. This paper argues that current approaches to protecting subjects are insufficient because they prioritize individualized responses to structural problems. What is not often acknowledged or accounted for is that the worst cases of abuse to subjects occur because of unethical treatment of groups, not individuals. Solutions are proposed to make regulation more responsive to these concerns.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.3152/030234207X190973

Free content The full text is free.

View now: