ABSTRACT

In this article I explore how experimental stem cell treatments have become a therapeutic choice in India. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, I illustrate six sociotechnical pathways by which clinically unproven treatment is rendered regular health care practice for consumers and providers across the country. Through each pathway, based on the themes of bioconsumption, integration, consumer contacts, treatment experience and rituals, and political culture, I demonstrate how the experimental status of stem cell treatment is undermined and thereby experienced by key stakeholders as just another medical option. In analyzing the pathways, I argue that unproven stem cell treatment practices are promoted and sustained by multiple social, political and technical forces. The discussion on pathways is therefore situated within a conceptual framework of “normalization,” derived from studies that investigate the multidimensional aspects to controversial and/or new medical technologies becoming routine.

摘要

在本文中，我将探讨实验性干细胞治疗如何成为印度的治疗选择。利用人种学实地调查，我阐述了六种社会技术途径，通过这些途径，临床上未经证实的治疗可以为全国各地的消费者和提供者提供常规的医疗保健实践。通过每条途径，基于生物消费、整合、消费者接触、治疗经验和仪式以及政治文化的主题，我展示了干细胞治疗的实验状态如何被破坏，从而被主要利益相关者视为另一种医疗选择。在分析这些途径时，我认为未经证实的干细胞治疗实践是由多种社会、政治和技术力量推动和维持的。