Stem Cell Treatments in India

An Ethnography of Regular Practice

Bibliographic Data

ID4564368
AuthorsRohini Kandhari (0000-0002-4949-3809, Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume40
Issue4
Pages348-360
Publication date2021-05-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMedical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0145-9740 • E-ISSN: 1545-5882
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01459740.2020.1857379
PMID33427512
OpenAlexW3120014879
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited29

In this article I explore how experimental stem cell treatments have become a therapeutic choice in India. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, I illustrate six sociotechnical pathways by which clinically unproven treatment is rendered regular health care practice for consumers and providers across the country. Through each pathway, based on the themes of bioconsumption, integration, consumer contacts, treatment experience and rituals, and political culture, I demonstrate how the experimental status of stem cell treatment is undermined and thereby experienced by key stakeholders as just another medical option. In analyzing the pathways, I argue that unproven stem cell treatment practices are promoted and sustained by multiple social, political and technical forces. The discussion on pathways is therefore situated within a conceptual framework of "normalization," derived from studies that investigate the multidimensional aspects to controversial and/or new medical technologies becoming routine

Economics · Ethnography · Management · Normalization (sociology · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Situated · Social science · Sociology · Sociotechnical system · Anthropology · Biomedical Ethics and Regulation · Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations · Reproductive Health and Technologies

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