Biotechnology Unglued: Science, Society, And Social Cohesion [Hardcover]

Michael D. Mehta (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0774811331 | ISBN-13: 978-0774811330 | Publication Date: March 15, 2005

Proponents of biotechnology claim that its advances will create a better world -- one free of malnutrition and hunger, where better medical treatments will be available through gene discovery, and where more efficient policing will be possible with improved forensic techniques. While some biotechnological innovations do provide significant benefits to individual users, their impact on society is often poorly understood. Will these new technologies unravel, or perhaps realign, the social fabric as we know it? Biotechnology Unglued explores this question in a well-considered investigation of the effects of technology on social cohesion. The essays present case studies of how various applications in agricultural, medical, and forensic biotechnology have affected the cohesiveness of agricultural communities, citizens, consumer groups, scientific communities, and society in general. The contributors, from a range of backgrounds, demonstrate how particular kinds of technology-society and technology-corporate configurations affect social cohesion by creating cultures of surveillance, competition, social exclusion, and control. The two faces of biotechnology are revealed throughout to show the promises and perils associated with a range of innovations. The book’s reasoned commentary and engaging style will appeal to anyone interested in the social dimensions of biotechnology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“With its tight focus on social implications generally and social cohesion particularly, Biotechnology Unglued has a unique niche in the very ‘hot’ area of biotechnology. This focus is its strength and comparative advantage, and will set it apart from the rest of the literature, both existing and forthcoming.” – William Leiss, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University

About the Author

Michael Mehta is Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Sociology of Biotechnology Program at the University of Saskatchewan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Univ of British Columbia Pr (March 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0774811331
• ISBN-13: 978-0774811330
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,394,130 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biotech promises: a better world only for the rich?, April 26, 2006

By 

D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biotechnology Unglued: Science, Society, And Social Cohesion (Paperback)

Will biotechnological advances really create a better world free of hunger and medical troubles, or will it result in benefits to only users who can afford it - and will these benefits hold a dangerous impact for religion or society? Such is the discussion explored in essays in BIOTECHNOLOGY UNGLUED: SCIENCE, SOCIETY & SOCIAL COHESION. From applications and issues in agriculture and medicine to social issues, biotechology's promises and dangers alike are surveyed in scholarly discussions.