Critical Studies of the Sexed Brain : A Critique of What and for Whom?

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_89A83EAA8F53
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Critical Studies of the Sexed Brain : A Critique of What and for Whom?
Journal
Neuroethics
Author(s)
Kraus C.
ISSN
1874-5490 (Print)
1874-5504 (Online)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
12/2012
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
5
Number
3
Pages
247-259
Language
english
Abstract
The NeuroGenderings project is reminiscent of an interdisciplinary program called Critical Neuroscience. But the steps towards a feminist/queer Critical Neuroscience are complicated by the problematic ways in which critical neuroscientists conceive of their critical practices. They suggest that we work and talk across disciplines as if neuroscientists were from Mars and social scientists from Venus, assigning the latter to the traditional feminine role of assuaging conflict. This article argues that brain science studies scholars need to clarify how we want to frame our critical practices-a critique of what and for whom?-and promote interdisciplinarity. The challenge is to articulate a critical stance that could not be collapsed into the all-encompassing claims of neuroscience, Critical Neuroscience included. I suggest we shift focus: from enhanced communication to the study of controversies (but also non-controversies, failed controversies, etc.) and conflicts. I explore the productiveness of this shift through two examples: the non-controversial notion of brain plasticity, and the controversial question of whether gender identity formation in intersex people is a function of their brain or their genitals. "Socializing" neuroscience with insights from gender and science studies is good; highlighting the conflicting dimensions of social life in the same gesture is even better.
Keywords
NeuroGenderings, Critical neuroscience, Critique, Interdisciplinarity, Controversy, Social conflict, Scientific norms, Brain plasticity, Intersexuality
Create date
15/10/2012 11:41
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:48
Usage data