Governing genetics: reifying choice and progress.
The governance of genetics involves a wide range of policy networks and covers a considerable array of genetic technoscience. Despite this apparent diversity, the uniformity of some genetic governance requires investigation. Reviewing policy documents on genetic patenting and embryonic stem cell research, I shall argue that policy networks often conceive of the ethical aspects of these practices in similar ways. In particular, I shall argue that individual choice and medico-scientific progress are common rhetorical devices in their frameworks. I shall end by commenting upon the implications of these trends for the future.
Department of Sociology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK.
Anne
A
Kerr
D026683:Advisory Committees; D001483:Base Sequence; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D005060:Europe; D005796:Genes; D036281:Genetic Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D010330:Patents as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011050:Policy Making; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D013234:Stem Cells; D006113:United Kingdom