From egg & sperm to reconceiving medical education: Why teaching about metaphor is essential to remedy injustice
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This essay examines the lasting impact of Emily Martin's groundbreaking 1991 work, “The Egg and the Sperm,” by tracing the role of metaphors in science and medicine. Through interviews with Martin, the authors create an intellectual lineage for the essay and explore its contemporary significance. They emphasize Martin's call to “wake up sleeping metaphors” and propose integrating metaphor analysis into medical education. This approach aims to help healthcare professionals recognize and interpret metaphors, which shape our understanding of biology and can introduce bias, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care. • Metaphors in science and medicine shape understanding and can introduce bias. • Metaphors influence medical policy, public opinion, and clinical practices. • Emily Martin's interview traces the intellectual genealogy of her metaphor work. • Integrating metaphor analysis in medical education can improve patient care. • Teaching healthcare professionals to critique metaphors reduces social inequalities.
Source: Social Science & Medicine
Authors: Noelle Molé Liston, Jennifer Karlin, Emily Martin
Institutions: New York University, University of California, San Francisco
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,800
OpenAlex ID: W4408416682