Social anthropology in sensitive research contexts. A case study: State prisons, Province of Neuquen, Argentina

This paper discusses some of the methodological and ethical problems entailed by social research, specifically anthropology, in State prisons in the Province of Neuquen, Argentina. Traditional anthropological research methodology has to be combined with a range of additional precautions because this is a sensitive field for research where a balance (almost always an unstable one) must be struck among the different actors involved: inmates, warders, the authorities, members of the judiciary and inmates' families. Particular account needs to be taken of the relations among inmates, and between these and their warders, to ensure that existing strains are not exacerbated. At the same time it is important not to take sides, since the aim is to sustain as cordial and open a dialogue as possible with all parties. This does not mean, however, that the social researcher is prevented from taking an ethical stance towards crimes, non-observance of inmates' rights, or outright, repeated violations of these rights. This is a field of conflict where researchers have to mark out a position of their own, remaining independent of the actors involved while keeping channels of communication open so that the research can be carried forward.