scientific-autonomy
Frankie's insistence on conditions for her research role underscores the theme of maintaining personal and professional autonomy within institutional and social frameworks.
1 chapter across 1 book
Theory of Bastards (2018)Audrey Schulman
Frankie arrives at a research Foundation to study bonobos, confronting the expectations of researchers and media attention while asserting her independence and conditions for accepting the position. She observes the bonobos' unique social and sexual behaviors, particularly their pre-meal copulation used to ease tensions, and immediately begins to question the assumptions about mating hierarchies. Frankie demands autonomy in her research role and selects a specific assistant, signaling her desire for control and focus amidst the social pressures surrounding her.