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Transparency and selfhood:: Utopia and the informed body

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  • Chrysanthou, Marc

Abstract

One aspect of the development of a health-orientated consumer culture is the growth of self-screening and self-diagnosis among the lay public--e.g. over-the-counter diagnostic tests, computerized health assessments, DIY genetic tests. This trend is interpreted as the expression of a distinctively postmodern 'utopian' impulse. Postmodernity's inwardly directed gaze has replaced the communitarian vision of modernity. In the absence of overarching visions, the postmodern utopian telos becomes the attainment of a perfect, imperishable body. Somatopia is the collective expression of these privatized and personalized body projects. The accomplishment and authentication of these body projects necessitates the creation of a 'transparent body'. This 'transparent body' is enabled and constructed by developments in information and medical technologies. The political and health implications of the transparent, 'informed' body are explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Chrysanthou, Marc, 2002. "Transparency and selfhood:: Utopia and the informed body," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(3), pages 469-479, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:54:y:2002:i:3:p:469-479
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    Cited by:

    1. Brownlie, Julie & Howson, Alexandra, 2006. "'Between the demands of truth and government': Health practitioners, trust and immunisation work," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(2), pages 433-443, January.

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