Between ethics and norms: The problem of normative perceptions of sex and sexuality research

Abstract

This article seeks to explore the problems of inconsistent and contradictory understandings of the relationship between normative values in society and ethical understandings in relation to sex and sexuality research. It argues that these judgements are peculiarly vulnerable to moral prohibitions and prejudices, that have contingent relevance to an ethical approach to doing research into sexuality. The very values and normativities that give rise to increased perceptions of risk in this area often reflect pathologies and prejudices that are directly and indirectly critically rejected in the research itself. This discussion will explore this problem and make some suggestions for a more satisfying ethical approach to sexuality research.