Lab Coat: Robe of Innocence or Klansman's Sheet?
Bleier, Ruth
Primary Category:
Literature /
Nonfiction
Genre: Criticism
-
Annotated by:
- Moore, Pamela
- Date of entry: Aug-05-1994
Summary
Bleier uses the image of a lab coat as a basis to discuss the objective status of science. Is the white lab coat a symbol of purity, of aseptic neutrality, in which the scientist is wrapped? Or does it give the scientist a faceless authority that cannot be challenged? Bleier believes that our conception of science must be changed. It is not enough to simply clear androcentric bias. Scientists must recognize the values and beliefs that inform their work, rather than assuming they work in an apolitical, asocial vacuum. Scientists should commit themselves to human values.
Primary Source
Feminist Studies/Critical Studies
Publisher
Indiana Univ. Press
Place Published
Bloomington
Edition
1986
Editor
Teresa de Lauretis
Commentary