Memo35+Ethical+Conundrums--sferguson

=**Memo35: Ethical Conundrums**= This memo should return you to reflection on the ethical issues and double-binds you may well face as your research proceeds. Try to consider the many places where "ethics" (broadly conceived) will be in play -- in the way you describe your project to potential interviewees, for example, in your choice of who to interview (and who to ignore), in the way you describe your interviewees (as in Memo 27).

As I look at consumer/citizen perceptions of bioplastics I am concerned that I am going to have interviews heavily weighted to particular groups of people. Considering that purchasing changes for green goods usually begins at the middle, upper middle and wealthy classes how exactly do I find the individuals that do not fit within these groups due to their lack of presence within the industry groups, trade shows, NGOs, advocacy groups, agencies, etc.?

As I draw out the conflicts and tensions over introducing sustainable goods into markets what positions do I begin to undermine that I would actually like to succeed? Do I help cut off composable bioplastics from success when I begin to outline how these goods can contaminate recycling streams? Do I undermine the positions of sustainability advocates when I propose that their visions of the future are constrained by past environmental groups and the very dense infrastructures of waste and recycling?

Do I end up insulting a great many people when I talk about consumption and consumer culture being the limiting factor for sustainability rather than technological innovation?

What happens when I put groups and individuals on the map who have been marginalized or invisible up til now, giving them a larger voice, or structuring there network with others. I'm concerned that in this action I open up the potential for these individuals to be targeted by those who have power and influence. I suppose this could be either a good thing in that the potential discourse coming out of these marginalized groups could become part of the public debate or their messages could be focused upon in order to marginalize the messages or co-opt their efforts.