Science and Sociodicy: Neuroscientific Explanations of Social Problems

• In Event: 372 - Section on Medical Sociology Paper Session. Technology, Health and Medicine

Abstract

The critique of individualistic explanations of social problems is central to sociological thought. Drawing on Weber’s concept of theodicy and Bourdieu’s notion of sociodicy, my paper continues this tradition by critically evaluating neuroscientific explanations of social problems. My argument has three elements. First, I describe neuroscientific explanations of two social problems: obesity and gender differences. I argue that such explanations are indicative of a neurodicy, or the framing of social issues as having a neurobiological etiology. Second, I review the interventions that are associated with the neurodicy of these two issues, which situate obesity as a target of neurobiological intervention, while naturalizing gender differences. Third, I argue that neurodicy obscures sociological explanations of social problems, which can legitimate the status quo and de-emphasize the need for social or institutional change. I conclude by discussing broader theoretical issues and advocating for a multi-dimensional approach towards the study of social problems.

Author

• Michael Allan Halpin, University of Wisconsin - Madison