Description
Book SynopsisThe Life of a Pest tracks the work practices of scientists in Mexico as they study flora and fauna at scales ranging from microscopic to ecosystemic. Amid concerns about climate change, infectious disease outbreaks, and biotechnology, scientists in Mexico have expanded the focus of biopolitics and biosecurity, looking beyond threats to human life to include threats to the animal, plant, and microbial worlds. Emily Wanderer outlines how concerns about biosecurity are leading scientists to identify populations and life-forms either as worthy of saving or as pests in need of elimination. Moving from high security labs where scientists study infectious diseases, to offices where ecologists regulate the use of genetically modified organisms, to remote islands where conservationists eradicate invasive species, Wanderer explores how scientific research informs, and is informed by, concepts of nation.
Trade Review"
The Life of a Pest is a textured ethnography that offers a rewarding read to those interested in Mexican science, Mexican politics, STS, and future-oriented technologies." * Anthropological Forum *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Living Better in Mexico
1. From Degenerates to Regeneration, Convicts to Conservation
2. The Care of the Pest and Animal Betrayals
3. Acclimatizing Biosecurity
4. Invisible Biologies, Embodied Environments
5. The Bureaucracy of Genetic Modification
Conclusion: Vivir Mejor and the Biodiverse Nation
Notes
References
Index
