The ‘Moral Paradox' of DOHaD
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_A9E500C60D3C
Type
A part of a book
Publication sub-type
Chapter: chapter ou part
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
The ‘Moral Paradox' of DOHaD
Title of the book
The Handbook of DOHaD and Society
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
ISBN
9781009201704
9781009201728
9781009201728
Publication state
Published
Issued date
30/06/2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Pages
103-116
Language
english
Abstract
Knowledge of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) is no longer confined to the lab. Rather, DOHaD is part of a scattered landscape of policy initiatives, including political discourses, programmatic statements, and public health measures. This chapter examines what could be called the ‘moral paradox’ of DOHaD in policymaking; that is, the idea that while the scope, foundations, and practical implications of DOHaD research call for structural interventions addressing social determinants of health over the lifecourse, messages can boil down to simplistic claims of individual responsibility addressed to parents and gestating bodies. The chapter draws from a systematic literature review to document claims towards individual responsibilities in DOHaD publications. It shows that scientists rarely make any straightforward argument in favour of individual responsibilities for health. The ‘moral paradox’ of DOHaD arises from an ambiguous stance on the pragmatic possibilities of health promotion strategies inspired by DOHaD knowledge, which mixes up the current practical possibilities of the field with its policy framing, opportunities, and political ambitions. The chapter concludes that a greater awareness of these moral idiosyncrasies in DOHaD research may help the field embrace a social justice framing.
Open Access
Yes
Funding(s)
Swiss National Science Foundation / Careers / 185822
Create date
26/06/2024 9:48
Last modification date
21/08/2024 6:24