The Sociology of Sciences Questioned by the Development and Diffusion of the Dietetic Method of Sex Selection

Despite its rejection by other researchers, an argument for diet-based influence on the sex ratio of offspring, initially proposed in the recognized scientific context of a university biology laboratory, was diffused to the public & became the basis of techniques now recommended by doctors & veterinarians. The background of the initial biological study is outlined. Reported here are results of a questionnaire survey of 227 university biology students in Paris, France, which asked whether they had heard of the dietary method & whether they considered it effective. The older students were more likely to trust in the efficacy of the dietary method. It is contended that neither scientist conceptions nor socioconstructivism can account for the diffusion & acceptance of the method. 2 Tables, 1 Figure, 1 Appendix, 75 References. Adapted from the source document.