Modalities of value, exchange, solidarity: The social life of stem cells in China

Abstract

The donation of embryos for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research is commonly framed as an act of solidarity, exemplifying a selfless expression of help from present-day citizens for public health improvements in the future. As I will show at the case of hESC research in the People's Republic of China, however, such discourse conceals the complexities of contemporary stem cell distribution and exchange systems, as well as the concrete forms of value and benefit that the derivation, use and circulation of these tissues has for user communities already in the here and now. While it is clear that the medical, scientific and commercial hopes of hESC research have not yet materialized, I will show that the current regulatory approach of hESC line distribution in China enables the usage of these materials as a resource of power that can be used strategically for the accrual of various forms of influence and value. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.