This Major Work focuses on critical social research, shedding a light on the wider philosophical and methodological issues and disputes associated with the topic of research ethics as they have arisen primarily in the social sciences but also in a number of other disciplinary fields. The four volumes contain an impressive range of contributions, both historical and contemporary in scope, arranged into eight thematic sections covering: Philosophy, ethics and social inquiry: themes and issues Alternative perspectives on ethics, science and social research Universities, ethical principles and the practice of social research Ethics committees and ethical review: analysis and critique (Un)ethical research, contested knowledge and critical social inquiry Questions of ethics, consent, and confidentiality Divisions, differences, and diversity: critical ethical dilemmas in social research Elites and social research: critical engagements Providing a thorough critical overview of key debates and developments over the decades, as well as considering emerging concerns and possible future directions for research, this Major Work is essential reading for scholars engaged in all areas of social research.