This paper focuses on the REC and its political context to clarify the process of ethical review. The examples initially considered are taken from a Research Ethics Review editorial to develop the social explanation of the membership and function of a research ethics committee. It is suggested that the management and administration of medical matters are not always best understood solely in medical terms. The conclusion of the paper is that the larger political relationships determine the membership and function of the research ethics committee. The REC is defined as the political mechanism for formally socializing medical research and its lay members as similarly socializing the REC.
References
1.
RawboneR. Editorial. Res Ethics Rev2007; 3(1): 1–2.
2.
VeblenTB. The place of science in modern civilisation. New York 1919.
3.
MillerJ. The body in question. London: Papermac1982.
4.
Governance arrangements for NHS research ethics committees, Department of Health, August 2001.
5.
GreenFA. Further thoughts on the recruitment of REC lay members. Res Ethics Rev2007; 3(1): 8–12.
6.
HunterD. The roles of research ethics committees: implications for membership. Res Ethics Rev2007; 3(1): 24–26.
