Reproductive genetics, gender and the body: 'please doctor, may I have a normal baby?'.
This paper's purpose is to highlight key sociological issues, that come to light when 'the body' becomes a theoretical site in reproductive genetics. By positioning the body as a central feature in this analysis, the paper: (1) describes how a mechanistic view of the body continues to be privileged in this discourse and the effects of this view; (2) examines how reproductive limits are practised on the gendered body through a feminised regime of reproductive asceticism and the discourse on shame; and (3) explores the social effects and limitations of reproductive genetics in relation to disability as a cultural representation of impaired bodies. The central assumption concerning reproductive genetics are that it appears within surveillance medicine as a part of a disciplinary process in society's creation of a genetic moral order, that it is mobilised by experts for the management of reproductive bodies and that it constructs a limited view of the body. Thus, the way reproductive genetics operatives tends to hide the fact that what may appear as 'defective genes' is a result of a body's interaction not only with the environment but also gendered social practices valorised by difference as well as rigid definitions of health and illness. The research is from a 1995-96 European study of experts interviewed in four countries.
Ettorre
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Department of Sociology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003068:Coercion; D032821:Commodification; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology*; D006115:Greece; D018594:Human Body; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology*; D011640:Public Policy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012098:Reproduction; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D006113:United Kingdom