To what extent does the global trade in human organs reflect existing inequalities between rich and poor and between the Global North and Global South?
In our examination of bodily commodities, especially as they feed into the development of biotechnologies, we have considered the idea that inequalities fuel the trade in human organs. In this question, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of how inequality shapes access to life, medicines and biotechnology (and how different people enter into the organ trade for many different reasons). Key points to consider in this question are:
• You will need to set out your understanding of the global trade in human organs and explain how it is part of a broader system of bodily commodity production.
• You need to engage directly with the question i.e. it asks ‘to what extent’ do you agree with the assertion and as such is asking you to engage critically with this particular thesis.
• To answer this question you should demonstrate your understanding of the spatial and social patterning of recruitment and access to organs in different parts of the world; you are not being asked to just compare North and South, you should also be looking at inequalities within both regions.
Reading:
Core reading around human organ trade: