Controversial issues related to reproductive biotechnology: an empirical study

Date

2012

Author

Evsel Ocak, Gülsevim

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This study examines the problems which are created by assisted reproductive techniques on the individuals and their decisions about the reproduction. In the study, the data of a field study which was conducted in 2010 is used in order to make the examination deeper and to give a qualitative and quantitative dimension to the theoretical framework. Through the sociological analysis of both controversial issues occurred by pre-natal reproductive technologies such as sex selection, abortion, PGD, IVF babies, disability, etc. and personal decisions which are impossible to be given independent from the social environment, providing a contribution to the development of sociology of reproduction is desired. In this study it is claimed that assisted reproductive techniques are power which will possibly get ahead of natural reproduction and reduce and even erase the biodiversity and coincidental characteristics of human reproduction, and increase the inequalities in the society. Thus this power may courage the reproduction of ‘desirables’ and prevent ‘undesirable’ ones from living and even insemination anymore. Another argumentation which is under discussion is the illusion of all these activities and problems were taking their sources from the own decisions of prospective parents. Reproductive biotechnology commerce hopes to people through its economy, cuts across all boundaries through the bounties of its technical abilities and by doing so it does not see a drawback in making people ‘victims’ of their choices that regarded as ‘rational and free’ which in fact mere ‘irrational’ preferences. Thus in this thesis, the theoretical foundations and social results of this technology which extending up to the pre-natal processes are discussed to contribute a more democratic policies.

Subject Keywords

Reproductive technology., Biotechnology., Science and Technology Policy Studies.

URI

http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12614077/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/21294

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis