The ethical review of research in the Humanities and Social Sciences: considerations on a Brazilian peculiarity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5212/PraxEduc.v.18.21663.031

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the difficulties and impasses faced by researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) in the processes of ethical evaluation of their research. This analysis is based on the critical literature on the subject and the author’s personal experience in coordinating a specific Ethics Committee for research in HSS. At first, some aspects of the historical genesis of ethical norms of research from key events in the biomedical field are highlighted. Next, the creation of a doubly centralized system in Brazil (one area regulates other scientific areas and a national and unique platform) as well as the difficulties brought by this system for researchers in HSS are described. In addition, the expression “research involving human beings” is problematized. Finally, perspectives to face these difficulties inherent to the undue subordination of the HSS to the biomedical field are pointed out.

Keywords: Ethics. Research. Regulation.

Author Biography

  • Erimaldo Nicacio, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

    Psicólogo. Doutor em Saúde Coletiva pelo Instituto de Medicina Social (IMS) da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ).  Professor associado IV da Escola de Serviço Social da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

Published

2023-05-09

Issue

Section

Seção Temática: Ética em Pesquisa e Integridade Acadêmica em Ciências Humanas e Sociais: atualizando o debate

How to Cite

The ethical review of research in the Humanities and Social Sciences: considerations on a Brazilian peculiarity. Práxis Educativa, [S. l.], v. 18, p. 1–23, 2023. DOI: 10.5212/PraxEduc.v.18.21663.031. Disponível em: https://revistas.uepg.br/index.php/praxiseducativa/article/view/21663. Acesso em: 9 may. 2026.