ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of moral beliefs in qualitative research. It provides an important clue why empathy matters in qualitative fieldwork, even if it does not have an epistemological function. Qualitative fieldwork is never just a case of observing, recording and analysing later on, and fieldworkers can be affected deeply by participating in or witnessing practices which they consider immoral. Emotion work also becomes necessary for fieldworkers, as situations which carry moral import for people can cue strong emotional reactions. Moral boundaries demarcate a line between those whom deem to be possessed of the same moral character and of the same moral values and those who are different in significant ways. Racism is a social and cultural problem with enormous moral import. Extreme right-wing and racist groups are increasing in number in Western and Eastern countries alike and are thus an important part of the political landscape.
