As a former Biology major the article entitled, “The Importance of Feminist Critique for Contemporary Cell Biology” was very relevant to my own experience as a student and developing researcher. While I was not personally aware of the lack of feminist critique in the laboratory at the time, I distinctly remember a diagram from my introductory biology course my freshman year which gave a brief description of fertilization theories over the centuries. The diagram was of a sperm cell which had, encased in it, a microscopic human complete with all fingers, toes, eyes and nose next to the nutrient rich yet passive ovum.
Personal experiences are guided by societal ideals and norms which are influenced by a number of areas of study that are seemingly objective. This is a concept that is readily acceptable. However, because certain areas of study are valued and respected because of their objectivity, such as natural sciences, they are thought to not fall victim to stereotypes or a modern society that is subject to the media as well as a culture that has been dominated by hegemonic masculinity. This article shed light on how the development of scientific data and concepts was and still may be skewed by society and how these theories, in turn, reinforce societal perceptions of masculinity and femininity. This idea was new to me.
What I found most interesting was the parallel between concepts of fertilization and the narrative of Sleeping Beauty. Fertilization, in some instances, is explained in scientific writings as one might retell a beloved childhood fairytale. And in most cases, these are supposed to be anatomical and physiological comparisons using fancy scientific lingo. Fertilization is one of the most natural processes known to the living and need not be glamorized as a fairytale by some so-called objective scientists. The article was most effective in reinforcing the idea that words, even those coming from men and women in lab coats, must be reexamined again and again in order to truly appreciate the content.
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Well stated. As we discussed in class objectivity may not be possible because we all have standpoints that inform our analysis of the world around us. Part of the feminist project is helping us see these biases in spaces we imagine as neutral. How might feminists challenge these assumptions in arenas beyond the sciences?
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