Abstract

This study is a theoretical analysis of human conception in the modern world. Emphasis is placed on Niklas Luhmann's concept of social systems as organisms of meaning creation which communicatively evolve with corresponding environments. Some of the reproductive technologies addressed include in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, and egg and sperm donation. These forms of assisted reproduction are considered as social systems involved in self-referential communication with larger environments. This purpose of this study is to illustrate the means by which the social observer is able to uncover and objectively understand communication paths traveled by reproductive social systems. The two general social environments addressed are those pertaining to gender and the economy. Overall, reproductive systems are theorized as actively involved in meaningful intimate creation with gendered and economic environments through evolving codes of efficiency. This approach provides a multi-dimensional, and hence more inclusive understanding of reproductive technologies by tracing several of the countless purposeful trajectories between systems and environments.