How Genes Matter: Genetic Medicine as Subjectivisation Practices

by Bernhard Wieser

Overview

Understanding the significance of genetic factors for our lives requires an analysis that goes beyond biological aspects. It is especially necessary to take into account how human beings relate to others and to themselves. Who we are is a result of social action and the ways in which human beings constitute themselves as subjects. Seen from this perspective, genetic medicine is a social practice that shapes how we think about us, how we conduct our behaviour and how we care for our children.
This book scrutinises practices by which individuals become knowledgeable about their genes and constitute them as responsible decision makers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783837637663
Publication date:	09/26/2017
Series:	Body Cultures
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.86(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Bernhard Wieser (PhD) is Associate Professor for Science and Technology Studies at Alpen-Adria-University, Klagenfurt - Wien - Graz. In his research he investigates ethical, legal, and social aspects of genome research and their application in genetic diagnostics. In previous projects he focused on the analysis of processes contributing to the individualisation of responsibility in the context of genetic examinations. Moreover, he has investigated diffusion factors of genetic testing in medical practice and how diagnosed persons become confronted with their "genetic identity". Technology and organisational frameworks of application are central to his research since they shape the ways in which genetic health problems are prompted and their possible solutions are pre-structured.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter 1
Contents 5
1. Introduction 7
2. Subjectivisation as theoretical framework 17
3. Methodology 37
4. Genes in the womb 59
5. Coming into being 75
6. New conditions for the sciences of life 99
7. ELSA as a heritage of public controversies 109
8. Public accountability of newborn screening 121
9. Ethical boundary work 139
10. Subjectivisation of bioscientists 155
11. Science, politics, and the public 177
12. Constituting oneself as a researcher 197
13. Negotiating who ELSA researchers are 241
14. Methodological challenges 287
15. Why science policy context matters 315
Bibliography 331
Acknowledgement 361