Cynthia R. Daniels
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195148411
- eISBN:
- 9780199850990
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195148411.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter explores the third element of reproductive masculinity—the assumption of male virility—through the history and practices of the sperm-banking industry in the United States. It analyzes ...
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This chapter explores the third element of reproductive masculinity—the assumption of male virility—through the history and practices of the sperm-banking industry in the United States. It analyzes the social, technological, and economic forces that pushed male infertility into public light at the end of the twentieth century and led to the commodification of sperm. The chapter traces the processes of social deflection that come into play to reinstate ideals of masculinity in the face of the public exposure of male infertility. It also assesses the paradoxical nature of masculine privilege that valorizes sperm as the carrier of ideal human traits but still measures a man by his fertility.Less
This chapter explores the third element of reproductive masculinity—the assumption of male virility—through the history and practices of the sperm-banking industry in the United States. It analyzes the social, technological, and economic forces that pushed male infertility into public light at the end of the twentieth century and led to the commodification of sperm. The chapter traces the processes of social deflection that come into play to reinstate ideals of masculinity in the face of the public exposure of male infertility. It also assesses the paradoxical nature of masculine privilege that valorizes sperm as the carrier of ideal human traits but still measures a man by his fertility.
Raphael A. Cadenhead
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780520297968
- eISBN:
- 9780520970106
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520297968.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Chapter 5 considers the impact of the death of two of Gregory’s siblings, Basil and Macrina, on his ascetical theology. It begins with an analysis of the much-disputed question of the restoration of ...
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Chapter 5 considers the impact of the death of two of Gregory’s siblings, Basil and Macrina, on his ascetical theology. It begins with an analysis of the much-disputed question of the restoration of human genitalia in Gregory’s account of the general resurrection. The author argues that there are two rival anthropologies at play (one based on Genesis 1:27a–b, the other on Genesis 2), which offer different perspectives on the eschatological finality of sexual differentiation. Looking at Gregory’s writings diachronically reveals why these two anthropologies came into contact with each other during the middle phase of his literary career and why they do not reach a point of resolution or synthesis in his theorization on the restoration of human genitalia. These discussions of embodied difference prepare the way for a consideration of their spiritual and moral associations. By drawing attention to the neglected figure of Naucratius, one of Gregory’s brothers, who “overcame” his “manhood” to make advancements in the moral life, the author argues that male virility, for Gregory, needs to be renounced in the moral life just as much as female passion. Both male and female characteristics, which are deeply embedded in the fallen state of humanity, need to be chastened and transformed through the bodily disciplines of the ascetic life.Less
Chapter 5 considers the impact of the death of two of Gregory’s siblings, Basil and Macrina, on his ascetical theology. It begins with an analysis of the much-disputed question of the restoration of human genitalia in Gregory’s account of the general resurrection. The author argues that there are two rival anthropologies at play (one based on Genesis 1:27a–b, the other on Genesis 2), which offer different perspectives on the eschatological finality of sexual differentiation. Looking at Gregory’s writings diachronically reveals why these two anthropologies came into contact with each other during the middle phase of his literary career and why they do not reach a point of resolution or synthesis in his theorization on the restoration of human genitalia. These discussions of embodied difference prepare the way for a consideration of their spiritual and moral associations. By drawing attention to the neglected figure of Naucratius, one of Gregory’s brothers, who “overcame” his “manhood” to make advancements in the moral life, the author argues that male virility, for Gregory, needs to be renounced in the moral life just as much as female passion. Both male and female characteristics, which are deeply embedded in the fallen state of humanity, need to be chastened and transformed through the bodily disciplines of the ascetic life.
