Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the emergence of the gene in and as contemporary commonsense accrues from a complex authorship in which the authoritative accounts of scientific research intersect with the range of representational media, literary, press, digital, televisual and cinematic, lay and professional. It represents the culmination of over a decade and a half of observation and critical assessment of the dramatic rise and cultural apotheosis of the gene. The book explores the pervasive and progressive cultural purchase of genetic discourse and the articulations of the gene between biological and cultural imaginaries. It aims to theories the intersections of what Foucault termed the episteme, affective attachment and phantasmatic projection. The juxtaposition of these cases suggests a wider gestalt, the broader bioimaginary, the underlying biopolitical and bioethical sensibilities of genes. The book examines questions of biopower and gendered medico-morality in the context of reproductive genetics.