How to speak of the emperor’s attire: Ethics of researching authoritarian contexts

• In Event: Ethics in criminological research: Old questions, new challenges

Abstract

The question of how knowledge is created is closely related to questions of power and hegemony. This relationship is recognized in criminology with the emergence of critical, feminist, and postcolonial perspectives. One can argue that the questions of ethics in criminology arise from this awareness. However, with the global rise of authoritarian leaders and the decline of democracy, the question of conducting ethical research becomes vital. This contribution focuses on answering this question, highlighting the ethical dilemmas of researching in authoritarian contexts and proposing best practices for knowledge creation under such conditions. Specific case studies will be used to illustrate these challenges and strategies.

Author

• Amr Marzouk, Erasmus University Rotterdam