ABSTRACT
This chapter explores gendered bioeconomies as an important "species of biocapital" for at least two reasons, related to two different understandings of gender. It considers gendered bioeconomies is important because, as argued by Sarah Franklin and M. Lock, reproductive objects of analysis often remain feminized and are therefore granted less importance in economic research than their "productive" counterparts. The chapter explains contemporary bioeconomic activities related to reproduction such as fertility preservation, surrogacy or genetic testing continue to work through gendered bodies and bodily substances, and therefore have stratified gender impacts. It discusses the "substantial beginnings" of research on reproduction and biocapital, focusing on the social science of eggs and sperm in the aftermath of in vitro fertilization. The chapter explores the discussion of reproductive substances to reproductive activities, concentrating on research that addresses transnational bioeconomies of labor. It reviews the research that focuses on genomic technologies, primarily those developed alongside reproductive processes and technologies.
