Essentially everyone is in some state of vulnerability. However, some of us are more likely to be harmed because of our vulnerabilities. Susceptible people are the individuals at greatest risk. These people risk losing their autonomy, even their lives. Vulnerable populations can be found in all subsets of society. However, as previously mentioned, some vulnerable populations are at even greater risk than others. These populations may include: but are not limited to: sick people, economically disadvantaged people, women, children, and men from many disadvantaged backgrounds. Vulnerable populations can sometimes be categorized as “them” versus those who are less vulnerable (“us”). This “us” versus “them” is an ideal that Bankoff clearly sets out in his article Vulnerability as a Western Discourse. Vulnerable populations that fall into the “them” category are the most vulnerable, the weakest and certainly the exploited and dehumanized individuals. Since the “us” is not as vulnerable, they are the ones who hold the power and privilege. By examining this dichotomy, we can see how important it is to protect these seemingly subordinate vulnerable populations. In medical research, there should be a detailed theoretical framework to guide the researcher in making ethical decisions. Because vulnerable populations are preyed upon by researchers for medical research resources, and not necessarily for the benefit of the patient, bioethics has become a module that aims to free the vulnerable individual from exploitation. He also seeks to accept his vulnerability while reestablishing his autonomy. Sick individuals are not only vulnerable simply because of...... middle of article...... Incentives in a study can be known as a form of coercion. .When we realize that we are all part of one human race, we can begin to define what equality looks like. Instead of trying to justify the exploitation of vulnerable populations, bioethics will seek to provide justice to the exploited and punish unethical researchers. By recognizing the vulnerabilities of the exploited, we can conceptualize better ways to coordinate the ethical standards they should follow. Works Cited Flanigan, Rosemary. “Vulnerability and the bioethics movement”. Bioethics Forum (nd): 13-16. Klein, Joan Echtenkamp. Bad Blood: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study. 2009. November 17, 2011. Kottow and Michael H. The Vulnerable and the Sensitive. Article. Garsington Road: Blackwell Editions , 2003.