Abstract
What does feminism have to do with nanotechnology? And how do mad scientists demonstrate the connections between the two? To explore this, I examine a case study of mad scientists in film, discussing first why mad scientist images arise and why nanotechnology, or the manipulation of matter on the atomic and molecular scales, may be particularly vulnerable to this kind of representation. National funding agencies are calling for the integration of ethics and societal implications into nanoscience and technology research and the training of future scientists and engineers. This emphasis offers a powerful way to break down stereotypes about science and engineering that discourage the participation of some groups.
Highlights
Bocking (2007, 55‐56) calls for a “new contract” between science and society that would “enable the construction of knowledge considered credible by all parties” through rigorous peer review (including participation by local knowledge holders), decision‐making that is context‐dependent and sensitive to local concerns, and research priorities that are set by diverse persons.
Using perspectives from feminist science studies to integrate teaching about societal and ethical issues with NSE content provides one set of strategies to provide citizens with technical information in a societal context, encouraging engagement between scientists and a broad, diverse selection of public groups.
Feminists critique research that addresses gender differences, when such work bolsters sexist assumptions about male and female abilities that limit women’s achievements.
Summary
Bocking (2007, 55‐56) calls for a “new contract” between science and society that would “enable the construction of knowledge considered credible by all parties” through rigorous peer review (including participation by local knowledge holders), decision‐making that is context‐dependent and sensitive to local concerns, and research priorities that are set by diverse persons. Using perspectives from feminist science studies to integrate teaching about societal and ethical issues with NSE content provides one set of strategies to provide citizens with technical information in a societal context, encouraging engagement between scientists and a broad, diverse selection of public groups.
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