http://hdl.handle.net/2123/898 Search the Channel search http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/2123/1106 Title: Understanding Ulcers: Medical Knowledge, Social Constructionism, and Helicobacter Pylori<br/><br/>Authors: Collyer, Fran<br/><br/>Abstract: The study of historical change in the content of medical knowledge in regard to specific illnesses or diseases provides sociologists with the opportunity to investigate both social processes and social theory. In this study of medical knowledge, propositions from the social constructionist school of sociology are utilised to highlight the way new knowledge about ulcers is generated, and to identify the cultural and social factors which inhibit the dissemination of new knowledge. The paper then explores recent challenges to this school of thought, using the case study of ulcers to suggest that there are limits to social constructionism and its capacity to explain change in medical knowledge and practice. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/1104 Title: On The Differences Between The Sciences: Comparing Knowledge(s) of Health and Disease in the 19th Century<br/><br/>Authors: Collyer, Fran<br/><br/>Abstract: This paper begins with Max Weber’s proposition that the difference between the ‘sciences’ (defined in the broadest sense) is one of values, context and theoretical orientation rather than subject matter. This proposition arises from Weber’s theories of knowledge and of history, theories which can be usefully applied to the way historians theorise the past and the processes of social change. In this paper I argue that Weber’s insights into the difference between the ‘sciences’, despite being formed nearly a century ago, rest on a theory of knowledge and history of continuing relevance, and which offers a more coherent and compelling form of historiography. The historiography in question concerns the emergence of the biomedical model of health and disease, and of the rise of ‘medicine’ in the course of 19th century Europe and Britain. While Weber’s theoretical framework does not answer the questions posed by present-day scholars about specific historical events, it provides insight into the process through which such histories are ‘constructed’, explains why many of these attempts at understanding history are inadequate, and offers the means to more coherently conceptualise the role of medical knowledge in historical change. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/1099 Title: Oöcyte markets: global tissue economies and women’s reproductive work in embryonic stem cell research<br/><br/>Authors: Waldby, Catherine<br/><br/>Abstract: Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) research, otherwise known as therapeutic cloning, requires large numbers of research oöcytes, placing pressure on an already limited supply. In the UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore and most of Western Europe, oöcytes are made available through modestly reimbursed donation, and, due to the onerous nature of donation, the existing demand for reproductive oöcytes far outstrips availability. SCNT research will place this system under even greater pressure. This paper investigates the growth in a global market for oöcytes, where transnational IVF clinics broker sales between generally poor, female vendors and wealthy purchasers, beyond the borders of national regulation, and with little in the way of clinical or bioethical scrutiny. It considers the possible impact that SCNT research will have on this global market, and suggests some ways to improve the protection, security and power of vendors.<br/><br/>Description: Submitted to New Genetics and Society http://hdl.handle.net/2123/926 Title: Medical Dominance in the Australian Health System: The Case of the Bionic Ear<br/><br/>Authors: Collyer, Fran<br/><br/>Abstract: The material for this paper is based on approximately 60 face-to-face interviews with specialist doctors, consumers, administrators, policy makers, various officials, researchers and company representatives. It is a case study of the development of the Australian Bionic Ear (or cochlear implant prosthesis) providing an analysis of the key social relationships within medicine - between doctors, scientists, consumers, government officials, industry representatives and others - which shape the development and implementation of new medical technologies.