Debating Biology / Edition 1

by Gillian Bendelow, Lynda Birke, Simon Williams

Overview

Relations between the biological and social sciences have been hotly contested and debated over the years. The uses and abuses of biology, not least to legitimate or naturalize social inequalities and to limit freedoms, have rightly been condemned. All too often, however the style of debate has been reductionist and ultimately unfruitful. As we enter an age in which ultr-Darwinian forms of explanation gather momentum and the bio-tech revolution threatens a 'Brave New World' of possibilities, there is urgent need to re-open the dialogue and rethink these issues in more productive ways.

Debating Biology takes a fresh look at the relationship between biology and society as it is played out in the arena of health and medicine. Bringing together contributions from both biologists and sociologists, the book is divided into five themed sections:

- Theorising Biology draws on a range of critical perspectives to discuss the case or 'bringing back' the biological into sociology.
- Structuring Biology focuses on the interplay between biological and social factors in the 'patterning' of health and illness.
- Embodying Biology examines the relationship between the lived body and the biological body
- Technologizing Biology takes up the multiple relations between biology, science and technology.
- Reclaiming Biology looks at the broader ethical and political agendas.

Written in an accessible and engaging style, this timely volume will appeal to a wide audience within and beyond the social sciences, including students, lecturers and researchers in health and related domains.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415279031
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/05/2003
Pages:	332
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Gillian Bendelow, Lynda Birke, Simon Williams

Table of Contents

Contributors, Introduction: Debating biology, PART I Theorizing biology: Critical perspectives, PART II Structuring biology: Inequalities in health, PART III Embodying biology: Corporeal matters, PART IV Technologizing/medicalizing biology: A Brave New World?, PART V Reclaiming biology: (Bio)ethics and beyond, Index

Editorial Reviews

4 Stars! from Doody

Reviewer: Jordan F. Baye, BA, PhDcand (Medical College of Wisconsin Health Policy Institute)
Description: This book addresses the schism that exists between science (both science proper and applied sciences) and sociology. In particular, this anthology attempts to "reclaim biology" by reframing the scientific theories and beliefs in a sociological context.
Purpose: This work's objectives are three-fold: to address the shortcomings of scientific theory in the sociological context, particularly the underlying reductionist attitude in these theories; to debate the need to unify biology and sociology; and to provide a basis for further debate within science, medicine, and society. These objectives are of great importance for a society in the biotechnology era. We are beginning to question the moral permissibility of certain areas of science — some rooted in tradition and some appearing for the first time. This book provides a springboard for identification and a continuing debate of these issues.
Audience: As evidenced by the introduction, the editors appear to intend the book for those within the fields of science, medicine, or sociology. The reader is immediately tossed into the debate with little background on the sociological or biological theories. It seems that an intermediate to advanced understanding of either biology or sociology (preferably both) is required to make full use of this anthology. The content of the chapters themselves, on the other hand, is largely accessible to the student. This is made possible by the contributors' introductive approach and the contemporary nature of the topics. Each of the editors and contributors has an advanced degree in some field pertaining to this anthology.
Features: The book covers a wide range of topics — each covered under the umbrella of "sociobiology." Within the context of sociobiology, the book is divided into five sections. These sections cover arguments for healing the sociology/science schism; social inequality in medicine and biology; the interweaving of biology and society; mediation between individual benefit and social good; and the politics of sociobiology. The chapters are relatively short, about 15 pages on average. Although the essays are brief, the contributions are, for the most part, concise and eloquent. The topics are scholarly in nature and range from metaphysics to evolution to androgenic steroids. This gives the reader a wide range to find common interest. However, the title of the book is a bit deceiving. Given the title, one might hope for a full dialogue between those in favor of a sociobiological theory and those opposed. Rather, we receive a one-sided argument.
Assessment: The book does a good job of outlining the issues surrounding the biology/sociology divide. It focuses on ethical, biological, medical, psychological, and sociological issues while keeping the recurrent theme of sociobiology theory. The editors have arranged the contributions such that the reader can follow the chapters in order and understand the overarching themes. The introduction is particularly well written in a seemingly oratorical fashion. It also gives an excellent outline and synopsis of the essays that follow. This book might be best used for undergraduate or graduate level sociology, biology, and psychology courses, and to some extent, medical school courses.

Doody's Review Service

This is a pioneering and timely collection. Biologists and sociologists have long talked past each other - often generating more heat than light. But Debating Biology shows that the disciplines can be combined in exciting and productive ways. Such collaboration is essential if the condition of humans - and other animals - is to be improved - Peter Dickens, Universities of Cambridge and Essex

'This is a pioneering and timely collection. Biologists and sociologists have long talked past each other - often generating more heat than light. But Debating Biology shows that the disciplines can be combined in exciting and productive ways. Such collaboration is essential if the condition of humans - and other animals - is to be improved' - Peter Dickens, Universities of Cambridge and Essex

From the Publisher