Title
Resuscitating the Critical in the Biological Grotesque: Blood, Guts, Biomachismo in Science/Education and Human Guinea Pig Discourse
Publication Date
12-1-2009
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This article draws on Bakhtin and other cultural studies theorists to understand the role of the grotesque as a libratory moment in biology education. Four examples of texts and moments are analyzed: Sylvia Branzei’s Grossology series of children’s books about the grotesque, observations of a pig heart dissection, a standard high school textbook, and zines by and for human subjects. Findings confirm a powerful social leveling effect within the biological grotesque, but limits are also identified. Specifically, the grotesque itself can become a form of social capital in itself, and thus the material for establishing new hierarchies. The paper also examines the ways that teachers and texts try to limit the leveling effects of the grotesque.
Publication Title
Cultural Studies of Science Education
Volume
4
Issue
4
First Page
761
Last Page
780
DOI
10.1007/s11422-009-9186-5
Publisher Policy
pre-print, post-print, no publisher's pdf
Recommended Citation
Weinstein, Matthew and Broda, Matthew, "Resuscitating the Critical in the Biological Grotesque: Blood, Guts, Biomachismo in Science/Education and Human Guinea Pig Discourse" (2009). Education Publications. 54.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/education_pub/54