The Routledge Companion to Ethics and Research in Ethnomusicology

The Routledge Companion to Ethics and Research in Ethnomusicology provides an in-depth exploration of the ethical challenges and imperatives of conducting research on people making music, focusing on fundamental and compelling questions that have shaped the discipline's history and practices. It offers 26 representative cases from various geographical, societal, and musical environments, reflecting on the impacts of ethnomusicological research and exploring ways to provide recognition, benefit, and reciprocation to musicians and others who contribute to our studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Companion to Ethics and Research in Ethnomusicology is a comprehensive exploration of the ethical complexities and imperatives involved in conducting research on individuals who create music. It delves into fundamental and pressing ethical dilemmas that have shaped the history and practices of this discipline. Through a series of 26 representative cases drawn from diverse geographical, societal, and musical contexts, the authors collectively reflect on the impact of ethnomusicological research, examining how it can either perpetuate privilege or pose risks to the musicians and communities involved. Recognizing the importance of ethical considerations in a world where diverse ethical values often clash, the book aims to uncover the conditions and consequences of the ethical choices faced by ethnomusicologists. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the development of a more engaged, restructured discipline and a more globally responsible music studies.

The volume is organized into four parts:

Sound Practices and Philosophies of Ethics: This section explores the ethical frameworks and principles that guide ethnomusicological research. It examines the ethical considerations in sound recording, fieldwork practices, and the interpretation and representation of musical traditions.

Fieldwork Encounters: This section examines the ethical challenges and dilemmas encountered during fieldwork. It explores issues such as participant consent, power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, and the impact of research on the communities being studied.

Environment, Trauma, Collaboration: This section explores the ethical implications of working in environments that are affected by trauma, conflict, or social injustice. It examines the role of researchers in promoting healing, fostering collaboration, and addressing the ethical responsibilities of working with vulnerable populations.

Research in Public Domains: This section examines the ethical considerations in conducting research in public spaces, such as museums, archives, or online platforms. It explores issues such as access to information, intellectual property rights, and the ethical implications of representing and interpreting cultural heritage.

In conclusion, The Routledge Companion to Ethics and Research in Ethnomusicology provides a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners in the field of ethnomusicology. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced examination of the ethical challenges and imperatives involved in conducting research on people making music. By exploring these issues through a series of case studies and theoretical discussions, the book contributes to the development of a more ethical and responsible approach to ethnomusicological research.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367490034