Changing Human Reproduction - Social Science Perspectives

Despite the extensive debates about new reproductive technologies, there is still little published research on the social and cultural implications of the new reproductive techniques. Our understanding of how babies are conceived and what it means to be a parent or relative have become more complex.

The authors argue that the neglect of social research into new reproductive technologies has led to a failure to make the necessary provisions for their consequences. The plight of the involuntary childless who, having been helped to conceive, find themselves with three, four or more babies illustrates this point clearly.

List of contents

Introduction - Meg Stacey et al
What is the Social Science Perspective?
Social Dimensions of Assisted Reproduction - Meg Stacey
From Private Patients to Privatization - Naomi Pfeffer
Making Sense of Missed Conceptions - Sarah Franklin
Anthropological Perspectives on Unexplained Infertility
Having Triplets, Quads or Quins - Frances Price
Who Bears the Responsibility?
Gamete Donation and the Social Management of Genetic Origins - Erica Haimes
The Meaning of Assisted Kinship - Marilyn Strathern
Conclusion - Meg Stacey et al

About the author

Meg Stacey is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Warwick University. She has published widely in the field of medical sociology, and is the author of The Sociology of Health and Healing (1988).

Summary

Demonstrates that conception and birth are as much social as biological events. The authors stress the importance of viewing human reproduction not only as a biological event but also as social reproduction.

Product details

• Authors: Meg Stacey
• Assisted by: Meg Stacey (Editor), Stacey Meg (Editor)
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 21.09.1992
• EAN: 9780803986541
• ISBN: 978-0-8039-8654-1
• No. of pages: 192
• Subjects: Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Partnership, sexuality; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / Marriage & Family, MEDICAL / Public Health, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Women's Studies, Anthropology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / General, MEDICAL / Reproductive Medicine & Technology, Gender studies: women, Gender studies: women and girls, Sociology: family and relationships, Birth control, contraception, family planning, Sociology: Birth, Sexualities;Sociology of Gender