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  • © 2017

Stem Cell Tourism and the Political Economy of Hope

Palgrave Macmillan

Authors:

  1. Alan Petersen

    1. Sociology School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia

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  2. Megan Munsie

    1. Centre for Stem Cell Systems Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

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  3. Claire Tanner

    1. Centre for Stem Cell Systems Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia

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  4. Casimir MacGregor

    1. Sociology School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia

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  5. Jane Brophy

    1. Sociology School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia

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  • Offers an engaging and thought-provoking account as to why people may choose Stem Cell Therapy

  • Outlines the potential dangers and benefits of Stem Cell Therapy, and discusses the media's portrayal of these

  • Draws on numerous case studies from people who travelled across the world in search of treatment

Part of the book series: Health, Technology and Society (HTE)

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eBook USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-1-137-47043-0
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvii
    PDF

  2. Stem Cell Tourism in Context

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 1-29

  3. ‘Choice’, Hope, and Stem Cell Treatments

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 31-57

  4. Managing Hope

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 59-82

  5. Hopeful Journeys of Stem Cell Tourists

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 83-100

  6. Exploiting Stem Cell Hopes in Germany

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 101-120

  7. Selling Hope in China

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 121-154

  8. Hope ‘at Home’: Stem Cell Treatments in Australia

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 155-184

  9. Re-framing ‘Stem Cell Tourism’

    • Alan Petersen, Megan Munsie, Claire Tanner, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy
    Pages 185-202

  10. Back Matter

    Pages 203-218
    PDF
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About this book

This book provides a unique and innovative perspective on the controversial phenomenon of ‘stem cell tourism’. A growing number of patients are embarking on stem cell treatments that are clinically unproven and yet available in clinics and hospitals around the world. The authors offer a cutting-edge multi-dimensional perspective on this complex and rapidly changing phenomenon, including an analysis of the experiences of those who have undertaken or have contemplated undertaking a stem cell treatment, as well as examination of the views of those who undertake research or advise on or provide stem cell treatments. Developing the concept of ‘the political economy of hope’, and referencing case studies of the stem cell treatment market in China, Germany, and Australia, this book argues for a reframing of ‘stem cell tourism’ to understand why patients and families pursue these treatments and whether authorities’ concerns are justified and whether their responses are appropriate and proportionate to the alleged risks.
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Keywords

  • Stem cell treatment
  • autologous stem cell treatment
  • commodification of health
  • patient activism
  • patient experience
  • patient decision-making
  • unproven treatment
  • direct-to-consumer advertising
  • social media
  • neoliberal healthcare
  • China
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • bioeconomy
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Authors and Affiliations

  • Sociology School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia

    Alan Petersen, Casimir MacGregor, Jane Brophy

  • Centre for Stem Cell Systems Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

    Megan Munsie

  • Centre for Stem Cell Systems Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Claire Tanner

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About the authors

Alan Petersen is Professor of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia. 

Megan Munsie is a stem cell scientist in the Australian Research Council-funded Stem Cells Australia initiative at The University of Melbourne. 

Claire Tanner is Lecturer of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia.

Casimir MacGregor is Research Fellow in Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia. 

Jane Brophy is a PhD candidate in Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia. 

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Bibliographic Information

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Access via your institution
eBook USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-1-137-47043-0
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Learn about institutional subscriptions