The Gendered Cyborg explores the relationship between representation, technoscience and gender, through the metaphor of the cyborg. The contributors argue that the figure of the cyborg offers new ways of thinking about the relationship between culture and technology, people and machines, which disrupt the power of science to enforce the categories through which we think about being human: male and female. Taking inspiration from Donna Haraway's groundbreaking Manifesto for Cyborgs, the articles consider how the cyborg has been used in cultural representation from reproductive technology to sci-fi, and question whether the cyborg is as powerful a symbol as is often claimed. The different sections of the reader explore:

* the construction of gender categories through science

* the interraction of technoscience and gender in contemporary science fiction films such as Blade Runner and the Alien series

* debates around modern reproductive technology such as ultrasound scans and IVF, assessing their benefits and constraints for women

* issues relating to artificial intelligence and the internet


eBook available with sample pages: PB:0415220912

The Gendered Cyborg explores the relationship between representation, technoscience and gender, through the metaphor of the cyborg. The contributors argue that the figure of the cyborg offers ways of thinking about the relationship between culture and technology, people and machines which disrupt the power of science to enfore the categories through which we think about being human: male and female. Taking inspiration from Donna Haraway's groundbreaking Manifesto for Cyborgs, the articles consider how the cyborg has been used in cultural representation from reproductive technology to sci-fi, and question whether the cyborg is as powerful a symbol as is often claimed. The different sections of the reader explore: * the construction of gender categories through science
* the interraction of technoscience and gender in contemporary science fiction film such as Bladerunner and the Alien series
* debates around modern reproductive technology such as ultrasound scans and IVF, assessing their benefits and constraints for women
* issues relating to artificial intelligence and the internet.

From identity crisis and identity politics to national identities, diaspora, and sexual identities, this new terminology of recent years has been the focus of key debates related to identity in cultural studies. Identity and Difference examines the challenge of these debates and outlines their application to central questions of gender, sexuality, embodiment, health, race, and nationality. The importance of identity and difference in the contemporary world is illustrated at multiple levelsùglobal, local, and personal. The contributors demonstrate the ways in which identities are constructed for and by individuals and question notions of the fixity of identity and difference. Explanations from essentialist, social constructionist, psychoanalytic, feminist, and discursive approaches are explored as well as the complexity of contemporary identities including popular discourses of motherhood, health, and the body. Identity and Difference combines theory with in-depth discussion of the most common areas of contested identities. Providing activities and selected readings, it will be essential for students and researchers in cultural studies, popular culture, and social theory.