The Relationship between Non-Human and Human Research and the Scientific Construction of Race, Gender, and Sexuality

My thesis focuses on the relationship between science and non-human research studies. Specifically, I will look at the role that ‘animals’ play in the scientific construction of race, gender, and sexuality. In what ways has the scientific construction of the dichotomy between primates and human beings been used in science to create racial, gender and sexual dichotomies? In what ways are the resulting consequences of such dichotomies in medical fields a reflection of these constructions? My research attempts to show various ways in which language and interpretations established by science help to create a dichotomy between animals and humans, which in turn influenced the scientific justifications for racism, sexism and homophobia.