1st Edition

Science and the Construction of Women (RLE Feminist Theory)

Edited By Mary Maynard Copyright 1997

    Science and the Construction of Women is a multi-disciplinary exploration of the major questions currently challenging feminist scholars of science. The authors ask key questions: What constitutes science? How have feminists investigated it? How does science ‘construct’ women? How can we create a feminist discourse of science? Are the current developments to women’s advantage or disadvantage? Their answers draw on material from a wide range of natural scientific, humanities and social science sources, critically examining theoretical approaches from the postmodern to the materialist to the cyborgian.

    A key argument of the book is that there are strong intellectual and pragmatic reasons – the rapid development of information technology, advances in fertility treatment and genetic engineering, feminist concern for environmental issues – why feminism must rigorously engage with issues of a scientific and technological nature. Science and the Construction of Women provides an important contribution to the opening-up and broadening of debate in the field.

    This book will be an important text for students of gender and women’s studies, and science studies. It is also designed to be read by feminists both inside and outside the academy and to appeal to all those with interests in the sociology of knowledge and the history of ideas.

    Acknowledgements.  1. Revolutionising the Subject: Women’s Studies and the Sciences Mary Maynard  2. Good-bye Truth, Hello Trust: Prospects for Feminist Science and Technology Studies at the Millennium? Hilary Rose  3. Women in Science, Engineering and Technology: The Rising Tide Report and Beyond Nancy J. Lane  4. Against the Odds: Women Developing a Commitment to Technology Ailsa Swarbrick  5. Women, Science and Adult Education: Toward a Feminist Curriculum? Jean Barr and Lynda Birke  6. Science and Technology: Friends or Enemies of Women? Cecilia Ng Choon Sim and Rohina Hensman  7. The Knowledge in our Bones: Standpoint Theory, Alternative Health and the Quantum Model of the Body Anne Scott  8. Technologies of Reproduction: Why Women’s Issues Make a Difference Pat Spallone  9. Reproductive Technologies and Lesbian Parents: An Unnatural Alliance? Elizabeth Sourbut  10. Rethinking Bodies and Boundaries: Science Fiction, Cyberpunk and Cyberspace Jenny Wolmark.  Notes on Contributors.  Index.

    Biography

    Mary Maynard