Question

In studying the subculture of a particular group a sociologist must be accepted by the people and gain their trust. One such researcher is studying the people in an urban slum. She learns through their confidence that certain member of the community are involved in a car theft ring. She does not report them to the police. Identify the moral issue, virtues at stake and relationship of care at stake.

Answer 1

Unless it is legally required to report the crime, it is not the responsibility of the researcher to report the crime. But ethically speaking, she is indirectly allowing the continuation of the activities of the car theft ring. Many people will suffer in the future because of her decision of not reporting the car theft ring to the police. On the other hand there is the moral dilemma of losing the confidence of the member of the community. There is also the risk of losing her access to continuing her research in the slum. According to the code of ethics of social workers, the researcher should respect the right to privacy of her clients and should maintain the confidentiality of the information obtained during professional service. However, in this case, there is a higher probability for future harm to occur in the form of cars being stolen. So, she should convince the member of the community regarding the consequences, promise the privacy of the member in the issue and then report the matter to the authorities. This way, through virtue ethics, she will be able to continue her research, maintain the privacy of the community member and working relationship with the member, and at the same time prevent the occurrence of future car theft.