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Qualitative Health Research
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*Children's Health
*Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
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Surgical Body Modification and Altruistic Individualism: A Case for Cyborg Ethics and Methods

Arthur W. Frank

University of Calgary

Three cases of pediatric surgical body modification—limb lengthening, normalization of genitalia, and craniofacial surgery—are considered through the moral language used by those who experience these surgeries. This language has been described as altruistic individualism. Decision making remains individualist, but it also shows considerable concern for others; egoism is complementary with altruism. The altruistic individualist is one of many incompatible identities that are predicted and described by the figure of the cyborg. Cyborgs suggest both ethics and qualitative methods appropriate to surgically shaped children.

Key Words: body modification • elective surgery • altruistic individualism • cyborgs • authenticity

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 13, No. 10, 1407-1418 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732303258030
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