Journal article
Appealing Images: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Production of Authoritative Knowledge
Social studies of science, v 35(3), pp 437-462
Jun 2005
Abstract
This paper examines popular narratives used to discuss magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) examinations in the USA. It shows that these narratives equate the image with
the physical body, progress, and authoritative knowledge. This work also traces the
political and social effects of these accounts. Drawing from ethnographic research
at three imaging sites and in-depth interviews with 48 physicians and technologists,
I show how these discourses erase physicians’ and technologists’
knowledge about and use of MRI technology and images. Analysis of work practices in
imaging units and hospitals demonstrates how each image intertwines aspects of a
patient’s body, socio-technical features, and economic priorities in
locally specific ways to constitute the body in medical practice and social life.
Despite the tendency of popular narratives to position MRI examinations as objective
knowledge, these images are not neutral nor are they equivalent to the physical
body. I also show how erasure of physicians’ and technologists’
everyday work practices reinforces current imaging routines and policies, helping to
sustain activities such as direct marketing to potential patients or the placement
of imaging technologies in shopping malls.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Appealing Images
- Creators
- Kelly Joyce - Department of Sociology at the College of William and Mary, VA, USA
- Publication Details
- Social studies of science, v 35(3), pp 437-462
- Publisher
- Sage Publications; Thousand Oaks, CA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Sociology
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000229155400004
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-20444483790
- Other Identifier
- 991014877829704721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- History & Philosophy Of Science