ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the growth of the ethics phenomenon in the context of a culture of increasing distrust and suspicion. Throughout it is argued that the characteristics of the relationship between the ‘abused’ child and the abuser now shape contemporary cultural models of relationships between all persons, especially where some power differential exists. These cultural models endow ethics committees with a potent brief to protect research participants from the potential harm believed to lurk in their dealings with the ‘powerful’ and ‘unscrupulous’, who may violate their rights. Researchers who wish to explore sensitive issues such as the problematics of touch are increasingly regarded with a similar level of suspicion to the professionals who work with children and young people on a daily basis, and are frequently required to have their proposals vetted by their university and/or other external ethics committees. The last few decades have seen a considerable growth in the power and influence of these committees, especially within an academic context. The rationale for their establishment and continuing development is the prevention of harm. However, this intent to protect has arguably become a licence to harm via its ability to prevent research, silence debate, and stymie the acquisition of knowledge about difficult issues, such as those discussed throughout. This argument is illustrated by reference to practical examples, including recent experiences with ethics committees in an Australian context, and is offered as a warning to others in societies who are following a similar trajectory. Arguably this regulatory practice both reflects and simultaneously feeds the fears and mistrust including those manifest in the touch moral panic.1
