Ethical Issues In Fieldwork Essay

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What are some of the ethical issues involved in fieldwork among peoples who have had little contact with outsiders? Is it always in the best interest to bring these people into the 'modern ' era? Why or why not?

There are several ethical issues that may be encountered when conducting fieldwork among people who have been primarily isolated from other cultures.Anthropologists must ensure that they do no harm to the people they are studying. In theory, this means that all precautions should be taken to eliminate any actions or methods that may result in physical, emotional, psychological, or cultural damage. Of course, this is easier said than done since the mere presence of a researcher alters the reality as well as the conduct of those being observed. Outsiders also bring with them the technology and cultural nuances of the modern world which can have profound and exponential effects on the future culture of the natives. Instances of first contact between outsiders and indigenous groups often result in sweeping epidemics that decimate large portions of populations. For example, the Yanomami, who had no immunity to many diseases, were afflicted with measles by the very missionaries who sought to save their souls, and exposed to malaria, tuberculosis, and the flu by invading gold …show more content…

Blinded by greed, gold miners forcibly infringed on the lands of the Yanomami, gouging and poisoning the soil and water. The Yanomami are animists and believe everything has a spirit or hekura, even the rocks. The destruction of their world was like a slow death. The miners sped up this process by murdering any Yanomami that interfered or by flattening villages that blocked progress. Roads were constructed that severed social and political connections between villages, disrupting trade, relationships, and dispute

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