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Teratologies
Stories of cancer are full of monster and marvels; the monstrousness of the disease and the treatments, the marvels of the cures and the saved lives. Still one of the most dreaded diseases to haunt our imaginations, cancer is more than an illness - it is a cultural phenomenon. People who have cancer are bombarded with competing explanations of their it is genetically inherited; it is environmentally produced; it is the result of their personality. Teratologies - A Cultural Study of Cancer investigates how this disease is perceived, experienced and theorised in contemporary society. It explores changing beliefs about the causes of, and the cures for, cancer in both biomedicine and its increasingly popular alternative counterparts.
Analysing conventional and alternative medical accounts, self-help manuals and patients' personal stories, Jackie Stacey takes a critical look at the place of heroes, metaphors, the self and the body in these competing bids to produce the authoritative definition of the meaning of cancer today. Interspersed with these detailed textual investigations are discussions of broader issues such as the feminist debates about the history of science, the place of consumer culture in health practices and the status of patients and of health professionals in postmodern society.
Combining authobiographical narratives with contemporary theoretical debates, the author carves out a specifically feminist analysis of the cultural dimensions of cancer. She brings accounts of her own illness under the critical lens of academic scrutiny and situates these personal stories within a discussion of contemporary cultural change.
Analysing conventional and alternative medical accounts, self-help manuals and patients' personal stories, Jackie Stacey takes a critical look at the place of heroes, metaphors, the self and the body in these competing bids to produce the authoritative definition of the meaning of cancer today. Interspersed with these detailed textual investigations are discussions of broader issues such as the feminist debates about the history of science, the place of consumer culture in health practices and the status of patients and of health professionals in postmodern society.
Combining authobiographical narratives with contemporary theoretical debates, the author carves out a specifically feminist analysis of the cultural dimensions of cancer. She brings accounts of her own illness under the critical lens of academic scrutiny and situates these personal stories within a discussion of contemporary cultural change.
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First published August 19, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 15, 2012
I am sympathetic to the author for her ordeal. I am impressed by some of her arguments, and the eloquence used to present her arguments. I admire her critique of some of the more barmy 'self'health' discourses she encountered on her journey with cancer.
I was so very frustrated by some of the unbelievable sweeping generalisations the author made, and the fact that she used some of the ridiculous self-health assertions she was critiquing to support her argument when it could be molded to wave the feminism flag. The fact remains that 'foetal alcohol syndrome' is not a patriarchal accusation against the innocent and burdened woman. It is a condition that exists. Some women drink when they are pregnant. That is a fact. When a seemingly intelligent and well-versed academic tries to assert otherwise in a book that is supposed to be about cancer, I get angry.
It definitely sparked some interesting responses, so I would recommend reading it if you are taking cultural studies or a related subject, if only to help you identify your own position on the issues raised.
I was so very frustrated by some of the unbelievable sweeping generalisations the author made, and the fact that she used some of the ridiculous self-health assertions she was critiquing to support her argument when it could be molded to wave the feminism flag. The fact remains that 'foetal alcohol syndrome' is not a patriarchal accusation against the innocent and burdened woman. It is a condition that exists. Some women drink when they are pregnant. That is a fact. When a seemingly intelligent and well-versed academic tries to assert otherwise in a book that is supposed to be about cancer, I get angry.
It definitely sparked some interesting responses, so I would recommend reading it if you are taking cultural studies or a related subject, if only to help you identify your own position on the issues raised.
October 26, 2010
A rich wealth of knowledge about the ways cancer (diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and history) affects the patient. Thorough and academic, yet personal and moving. An excellent resource and an excellent perpective.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews