Description
Informed consent as an underlying principle of ethical research implies (and depends on) each research participant’s ability to make a decision autonomously. However, cultural beliefs or customs may place a higher value on the prerogative of an individual, such as a village chief or a male head of household to make decisions for others. Individual autonomy may hold a much lower value and may even be seen as challenging an established structure. How can informed consent be ensured in societies in which individual autonomy is not a priority?
