Nanotechnology and the Challenges of Equity, Equality and Development [Hardcover]

Nanotechnology is enabling applications in materials, microelectronics, health, and agriculture, which are projected to create the next big shift in production, comparable to the industrial revolution. Such major shifts always co-evolve with social relationships. This book focuses on how nanotechnologies might affect equity/equality in global society. Nanotechnologies are likely to open gaps by gender, ethnicity, race, and ability status, as well as between developed and developing countries, unless steps are taken now to create a different outcome. Organizations need to change their practices, and cultural ideas must be broadened if currently disadvantaged groups are to have a more equal position in nano-society rather than a more disadvantaged one. Economic structures are likely to shift in the nano-revolution, requiring policymakers and participatory processes to invent new institutions for social welfare, better suited to the new economic order than those of the past.

With a focus on how nanotechnologies might affect equity/equality in global society, this book covers key societal issues in emerging technology. It includes advice for avoiding negative social consequences, and covers nanotechnology in emerging economies.

PrefaceDavid GustonIntroductionSusan E. Cozzens and Jameson M. WetmoreContributorsPart I: Dimensions of Nano Fairness1 Contexts of Equity: Thinking about Organizational and Technoscience Contexts for Gender Equity in Biotechnology and NanotechnologyLaurel Smith-Doerr2 Female Involvement in Nanotechnology Intellectual Property DevelopmentYu Meng and Philip Shapira3 Potential Implications for Equity in the Nanotechnology Workforce in the U.S.Sonia Gatchair4 Exploring Societal Impact of Nanomedicine using Public Value MappingCatherine Slade5 Ableism and Favoritism for Abilities Governance, Ethics and Studies: New Tools for Nanoscale and Nanoscale enabled Science and Technology Gl³2