Reproducing Fictional Ethnographies: Surrogacy and Digitally Performed Anthropological Knowledge

This book explores the interplay between new reproductive technologies and new ethnographic writing technologies, interrogating the potential of fictional multimodality in ethnography and the generative possibilities of digital artefacts in anthropological research. It argues for the tailor-made character of ethnographic writing in the digital era, pairing research quests and representational modalities to develop unique narrative forms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 199 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the intricate interplay between new reproductive technologies and new ethnographic writing technologies by examining the example of surrogate motherhood. Its primary objective is to interrogate the potential of fictional multimodality in ethnography and to shed light on the generative possibilities of digital artefacts in anthropological research. Furthermore, it makes a compelling case for the bespoke nature of ethnographic writing in the digital era, arguing that research quests and representational modalities can be seamlessly paired together to create unique narrative forms that align with the specific traits and analytical affordances of each particular topic.

The study explores the situated knowledge of ethnographers and research interlocutors, engaging in multimodal storytelling and revisiting the longstanding debate on the relationship between the object of study and the possibilities for its representation. As the first attempt to bring together digital anthropology, fiction writing, and the ethnography of surrogacy, this book fuses the genealogy of feminist critique on the orthodox, phallocentric, and heteronormative aspects of academic discourse with the insights of digital humanities in challenging the conventional formal properties of scholarly writing.

Through its exploration of surrogate motherhood, this book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between new reproductive technologies, ethnographic writing, and the representation of relatedness. It highlights the potential of fictional multimodality to enhance the depth and richness of ethnographic inquiry, while also emphasizing the significance of digital artefacts in anthropological research. Moreover, it advocates for the tailor-made character of ethnographic writing in the digital era, recognizing the importance of pairing research quests with representational modalities to develop unique narrative forms that correspond to the specific traits and analytical affordances of each research topic.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the fields of digital anthropology, fiction writing, and ethnography. By delving into the intersections of assisted reproduction technologies and digitally mediated writing, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between technology, culture, and the human experience. Its innovative approach to storytelling and its commitment to challenging conventional academic discourse make it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers alike.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031134241
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022