An Ethics-of-Care Paradigm in Opposition Research: The Tensions of Studying a Pro-Life Organization

Sommer Sterud

doi:10.5744/rhm.2020.4007

Rhetoric of Health and Medicine Feb 2021 Open Access

An Ethics-of-Care Paradigm in Opposition Research: The Tensions of Studying a Pro-Life Organization

Sommer Sterud Kent State University

Abstract

This paper explores how I navigated the complicated terrain of opposition research during the dissertation phase of my doctoral program. Drawing from ethnographic research conducted on a pro-life organization, I illustrate that care-based ethics (Held, 2006; Tronto, 1994) is not just for vulnerable and agreeable participants but is valuable and appropriate for researching powerful groups whom we oppose. Furthermore, I argue that rhetorical listening (Glenn & Ratcliffe, 2011; Ratcliffe, 1999, Ratcliffe, 2005) is not just a valuable methodological approach to research, but also a form of reciprocity, especially critical when studying groups we oppose. Such an approach promotes the mutually beneficial goals of respect and understanding.

Journal: Rhetoric of Health and Medicine
Published: 2021-02-09
DOI: 10.5744/rhm.2020.4007
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Topics: rhetorical criticism feminist rhetorics graduate education qualitative research
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An Ethics-of-Care Paradigm in Opposition Research: The Tensions of Studying a Pro-Life Organization

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