Ethical Autoethnography: Is it Possible?

Abstract

Autoethnography is a widely applied qualitative research method to examine self-experience in relation to life events, and also situated experiences in cultural and institutional contexts. In this paper the ethical challenges arising in conducting and presenting autoethnographic research are presented and explored, first through reflection on personal experience of being described and identified in an autoethnographic presentation without my permission, then through the challenges of my own experiences undertaking autoethnographic work. Following Ellis’ relational ethic as a third dimension along with procedural and situation ethics, a fourth dimension of the ethic of the self is presented. Ways we can enhance the ethic of respect in autoethnography is further elaborated.

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An autoethnographic account of the use of Twitter for professional development by novice academic

“…Like all research approaches, ethics is an important consideration in autoethnography (Edwards, 2021). The concerns of relational ethics in particular are amplified for autoethnographers (Ellis, 2007) as their research often have direct implications for associated institutions, family and friends, social networks, communities, and students (Ellis, Adams & Bochner, 2011).…”

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“…The challenge is common to autoethnographers. An autoethnographer must consider carefully not only how revealing her personal experiences affects her own life but also how it affects the lives of her close others (Edwards, 2021). To ensure the ethical integrity of this investigation, I have discussed the data with my family members both before and after writing the article-manuscript, and hence, process consent (Ellis, 2007) was achieved.…”