Date of Award

Summer 7-15-2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Anthropology

First Advisor

Cassandra White

Second Advisor

Jennifer Patico

Third Advisor

Lara Braff

Abstract

Anthropological research on the sociocultural outcomes from applications of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) for infertility, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is greatly lacking and much needed. Narratives from individuals, couples, families, community leaders and members are particularly germane to medical anthropological studies on the intersection of science and technology in the new millennium. With ART applications still in their infancy in sub-Saharan Africa, research of this nature may be of benefit in determining how best to apply ARTs within important cultural frameworks and allow infertile couples and other recipients the opportunity to minimize adverse results. This paper draws upon theoretical perspectives from anthropology, science and technology studies, ethnographic data from my field study in Uganda, and reviews of literature, to construct theories about how for the Baganda, the proliferation of ARTs could potentially change or disrupt cultural notions of power and identity and unseat core notions of kinship.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/4372029

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