Bringing ethical thinking to social change initiatives: Why it matters

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‘social norms’ AND ethics ‘social norms intervention’ AND ethics ‘social norms intervention’ ‘social norms change’ AND ethics ‘normative change’/norms-shifting/norms-focused AND ethics ethics AND norms ‘normative change’ AND ethics ‘norms-focused’ AND ethics ‘norms-shifting’ AND ethics ‘social change’ AND ethics ethical norms cultural dilemma ‘community norms change’ AND programme ethics ‘social norms’ AND ethics ‘social norms change’ AND ethics ‘social norms interventions’ AND ethics critique of ‘social norms interventions’ philosophy and ‘social norms interventions’ ‘normative change’ AND ‘programme ethics’

‘normative change intervention’ AND ethics ‘ethical framework’ AND programme ‘women’s empowerment’ AND ethics ‘community organizing’ AND ethics ethics of fostering cultural change controversies in normative change interventions/programmes normative and behaviour change and ethical controversies ethical issues and social change ‘social norms change’ AND ethics critique of ‘social norms interventions’ philosophy and ‘social norms interventions’ ‘social behavior change’ AND ethical considerations ‘social and behavior change communication’ AND ethics Social and behaviour change AND ethical challenges

Table 1. Five values that can guide how to make ethical decisions during NSI programme design.

Inclusiveness	Including those who will be affected by the decision Including people representing all cultures and communities Taking everyone’s contribution seriously
Openness	Letting others know what decisions need to be made, how they will be made and on what basis they will be made Letting others know what decisions have been made and why Letting others know what will come next
Reasonableness	Systematically considering alternative options and ways of thinking Being conscious to reflect cultural diversity Using a fair process to make decisions Basing decisions on shared values and best evidence.
Responsiveness	Being willing to make changes and be innovative Changing when relevant information or the context changes Enabling others to contribute whenever we (and they) can Enabling others to challenge our decisions and actions.
Responsibleness	Acting on our responsibility to others for our decisions and actions Helping others to take responsibility for their decisions and actions.

Source: Adapted from Getting Through Together: Ethical Values for a Pandemic from the New Zealand National Ethics Advisory Committee.

Table 2. Five values guiding ethical decision-making during NSI implementation.

Do good; Minimise harm	Helping individuals and communities attain good health, minimising risks and potential harm Not harming other individuals or groups Protecting one another from harm
Respect	Recognising that every person matters and treating people accordingly Supporting others to make their own decisions whenever possible
Fairness	Ensuring everyone gets a fair go Prioritising fairly when there are not enough resources for all to get the services they need Supporting others to get what they are entitled to Minimising inequalities.
Reciprocity	Helping one another Acting on any special responsibilities we may have, such as those associated with professionalism or outsider project status (power of holding resources) Agreeing to extra support for those who have extra responsibilities in catalyzing social change.
Solidarity	Working together when there is a need to be met. Showing our commitment to strengthening individuals and communities. Helping and caring for our neighbours and friends Helping and caring for our family and relations

NB: The terms in the left-hand column are often cited as follows in the ethics literature: Do Good ≈ Beneficence; Minimise Harm ≈ Nonmaleficence; Respect ≈ Autonomy to Make Free Choice; Fairness ≈ Justice and Equity; Reciprocity ≈ Interpersonal Caring and Connectedness; Solidarity ≈ Community Connectedness.

Source: Adapted from Getting Through Together: Ethical Values for a Pandemic from the New Zealand National Ethics Advisory Committee.