INTERNATIONALIZATION ACTIVITIES OF SOCIOLOGY STUDY PROGRAM “Code of Ethics of the German Sociological Association”
INTERNATIONALIZATION ACTIVITIES OF SOCIOLOGY STUDY PROGRAM “Code of Ethics of the German Sociological Association”
In an effort to strengthen understanding of the Code of Ethics of Sociology in the world, this time the FISHUM Sociology Study Program, is trying to find out the understanding of sociological ethics originating from Germany. This time, Prof. Sabine Brombach in a guest lecture revealed that German Sociologists have a solid code of ethics. The following is the contents of the manuscript that he delivered a few days ago, but the ethics became the subject of discussion on Wednesday, March 6, 2025 at 09.00 - 11.30 WIB in the Multimedia room of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UIN Sunan Kalijaga.
The development and dissemination of sociological knowledge is a social process that requires consideration and ethical decisions at every stage. Sociologists must be aware of the ethical implications of the production, use and dissemination of Sociological knowledge. This code of ethics depends on continuous reflection and application by members of the Sociology profession. The code of ethics formulates a consensus on ethical behavior in professional sociology which is the basis for the work of the Ethics Committee. This code of ethics is to make sociologists aware of ethical issues in their work and encourage them to critically examine the ethics of their work and to critically examine their own professional actions.
Sociologists who work in teaching are especially asked to convey the elements of professional ethics to young academics and students and encourage them to practice them. At the same time, this code of ethics protects against demands and expectations placed on sociological researchers and practitioners in various situations by test subjects, students, employees, colleagues, and private and public clients, which may cause ethical conflicts. People who file complaints with the Ethics Committee are guaranteed their safety by the German Sociological Association (DGS) and the German Sociological Professional Association (DBS). These two associations created this Code of Ethics.
There are at least 5 things regulated in the German Code of Ethics. The first is about Integrity and Objectivity. Sociology is committed to standards of research, teaching and professional practice. When making an assessment, Sociologists must present their field of work, level of knowledge, expertise, methods, and experience. When presenting or publishing sociological findings, the results are presented without reducing the theory, methods, and research design that are important to the assessor of the research results and the limits of its validity. The source of funding must also be disclosed when conducting research. When making research reports must be accessible to the public. Sociologists should not accept compensation. If research is carried out together with students, agreements are made from the beginning, regarding the division of tasks, data access, copyright, and also the funds obtained. Sociologists are responsible as teachers and practitioners. Second, the Rights of Test Subjects. Sociologists must anticipate the occurrence of method errors that do not benefit the group. In addition, defaming the person who has been studied. They must respect the personal rights of the researched. Participation in research must be voluntary and based on as much detailed information as possible about the goals and methods of the research project in question. Sociology must also maintain its good name, maintain the confidentiality of researchers and ask for permission before data sources are published.
Third, Publication. In terms of publication, the names of those who contributed are included in the publication including their tasks. The order of the names is also considered based on their respective contributions. Ideas developed from other people's ideas must include references. Collaboration between disciplines is encouraged in the journal. The journal editor is fair, and notifies the author of the article's decision. The promise of publication is binding, if it has been promised to be published then it will be published immediately.
Fourth, Review (Assessment). If a Sociologist is asked to assess a manuscript, research proposal or other work, the review is rejected if there is a conflict. The review must be assessed completely, carefully, confidentially and fairly within a reasonable time. If a Sociologist is asked to review a book manuscript that has been reviewed by someone else, the Sociologist immediately refuses and notifies the author.
Fifth, Professional Interaction with Students, Staff, and Colleagues. Sociologists when teaching try to give the best for their students, both in terms of nature and level of commitment. Sociologists become good supervisors for students and their guidance. Working hours must be arranged in such a way that students get services from Sociologists. Sociologists must be fair in promoting appointments, promotions regardless of gender, physical appearance and religious affiliation. In addition, Sociologists also have no right to force students, employees or colleagues to help provide as subjects for their research. They may not ask for personal, sexual rewards after they are interviewed or help research. Sociologists must also ensure to employees and colleagues for the suitability between their profession and the fulfillment of care and support duties.
The above are the German Sociologist Code of Ethics which are in effect on June 10, 2-017 and the Code of Ethics is published in Journals that are members of the Sociology scientific association.
It seems that this code of ethics of FISHUM Sociology has done it, especially in research and publication ethics, but it has not been made in writing, and has not been an agenda in the Indonesian Sociology Study Program Association (APSSI) and the Indonesian Sociology Association (ISI). Of course, this German Sociologist Code of Ethics is a valuable reference. Thank you Prof. Sabine Brombach for sharing your knowledge about the Sociologist Code of Ethics. See you at another event. (Source; German Code of Conduct, 2017)- (Napsiah)