Question

Can you use the ethical issues for criminologists discussed in our text to explain why it would or would not be ethical for a criminologist to observe a teenage gang by hanging out with them, drinking, and watching as they steal cars?

Answer 1

It would potentially be unethical for a criminologist to observe a teenage gang and engage in similar behavior with them because this individual would essentially be condoning their criminal behavior. This is potentially seen as unethical and blurring the lines between "observation" and taking part in the activities of the population being studied.