Doing the Underdog Research: Ethics, Trust, Friendship

In my article, I discuss some of the issues related to research on socially and politically marginalized groups. While researching for my book, Punks and Skins United: Identity, Class and the Economics of an Eastern German Subculture, I conducted some research on the semi-legal economy of East German working-class punks and skinheads, relying on my personal friendships in the sector. The research meant overcoming the mistrust such people have towards formal institutions, including academic ones. I acquired access to their daily lives, participated in illegal work, and was offered an insight into their underground political activities. The problem I encountered later was how and what I should publish of this material. I needed to find a way to publish highly sensitive data about people who live in a small town, where small biographic details could help to identify them. Further complicating my dilemma was the fact that the research was conducted in Germany, where harsh punishments exist for illegal work. In my article, I will give an overview of the ethical and moral problems I encountered while doing research among people from the underground culture who are old friends in a situation of mutual trust. I also depict how I chose material for publication, keeping in mind that the book or academic articles might be read by the relevant state officials.