Cross-Cultural Biotechnology

A Reader

Michael C Brannigan editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield

Published:27th Aug '04

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Cross-Cultural Biotechnology cover

This insightful book examines biotechnology's global implications, advocating for equitable access and diverse cultural perspectives. Cross-Cultural Biotechnology emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding.

Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that raises important questions about its goals and implications. Cross-Cultural Biotechnology delves into these questions, examining whether the global benefits of biotechnology outweigh its potential dangers. The book challenges readers to think critically about the persistent inequalities that leave many in poverty, while also advocating for a more humane and inclusive vision of biotechnology that transcends borders.

In the first part of Cross-Cultural Biotechnology, major global issues and international policies are explored, highlighting the ongoing tension between commercialization and equitable access to biotechnological advancements. This section underscores the importance of global partnerships and collaborations in addressing these challenges. The second part focuses on specific biotechnological issues faced by different cultures, including genetic research in the United States, regulatory concerns in Canada, and food security challenges in Africa, among others. Each case study reveals the unique cultural perspectives that shape the understanding and application of biotechnology.

The final section of the book addresses broader global challenges, such as the balance between intellectual property rights and fair access, the need for media to be sensitive to cultural contexts, and the importance of preparing for bioterrorism. While Western voices have predominantly shaped the discourse, Cross-Cultural Biotechnology emphasizes the necessity of incorporating diverse viewpoints from various cultures, advocating for cross-cultural bridge-building as an essential step forward.

This is a fascinating collection of essays for two reasons. It covers an extraordinarily broad range of issues at the forefront of contemporary bioethical debates. It also articulates among cultural diversities what are shared values in applications of biotechnology across cultural, political, and religious boundaries. -- Henk ten Have, Division of Ethics of Science and Technology, UNESCO

ISBN: 9780742532663

Dimensions: 234mm x 178mm x 18mm

Weight: 413g

224 pages