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Autonomy and bioethics in fan responses to Orphan Black
Ayden Eilmus1, Avery Bradley, Jay Clayton2
1NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA; Vanderbilt University, USA.
Public Understanding of Science (Bristol, England)
|August 16, 2023
Summary
Fans of the genetics-themed show Orphan Black connect its bioethical themes to real-world issues, particularly concerning women's autonomy, gender, and reproduction. Their engagement highlights public understanding of complex genetic science challenges.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Genetics
- Science Communication
Background:
- Orphan Black (2013-2017) is a genetics-themed science fiction series.
- Viewer responses to the show offer insights into public understanding of genetic science ethics.
- Fan engagement with science fiction can be a lens for examining public bioethical reasoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how fans of Orphan Black process the show's prominent bioethical themes.
- To analyze viewer-created content for insights into public understanding of genetic science.
- To explore the role of science fiction in public bioethical discourse.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 182 viewer-created blog posts about Orphan Black.
- Mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Examination of fan interpretations of bioethical principles within the series.
Main Results:
- Fans primarily interpret Orphan Black through the lens of characters' fight for autonomy.
- Bioethical themes are explored via pathways of gender and reproduction in fan blogs.
- Viewers connect on-screen ethical dilemmas to real-world issues affecting women.
Conclusions:
- Science fiction fans actively participate in meaning-making and bioethical reasoning.
- Fan-generated content provides a novel avenue for studying public understanding of science.
- Orphan Black serves as a case study for how popular media engages the public with genetic ethics.
Keywords:
Orphan Blackattitudes toward geneticscloningfan studiesgender and sciencegenetic and reproductive technologiesmedia representationsscience and popular culturescience fictiontelevisionMore Related Videos
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