Media Discourse on the Social Acceptability of Fecal Transplants

We examined dominant representations of fecal transplants in Canadian media and found that fecal transplants are often represented as being inherently disgusting or distasteful (the "ick factor"). This "ick factor" is used to construct different messages about the treatment’s social acceptability and legitimacy. We conclude that an over-emphasis on the "ick factor" constrains public discourse from a more nuanced discussion of the social challenges, scientific concerns, and regulatory issues surrounding the treatment.
Source: Qualitative Health Research - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Using the Internet Source Type: research