Abstract
As biobank research depends on an individual's readiness to donate her bodily material alongside with disposing personal data to scientific enterprises, this chapter focuses on the arguments that are brought forward to encourage individual research contributions. In the analysis of the Swedish and Norwegian biobanks acts, the chapter aims to leave behind the dichotomy of individualism versus solidarity. The Scandinavian regulatory frameworks rather reveal a conjunction of both perspectives: the wish to enable biobank research and thereby serve the common good, and the wish for the protection of individual interests. In order to provide an explanation for this feature, the chapter highlights two concepts that reconcile these contrasting attitudes. Whilst the Swedish welfare state supports a so-called state individualism which rests on a reciprocal relationship between the state and the individual citizen, the Norwegian dugnad tradition strengthens the reciprocal assistance amongst its citizens. Both traditions can be fruitfully applied to the ethics of biobank research.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
