Paper short abstract:

Exploring the case of Time-Lapse Photography IVF, the paper proposes a conceptualization of heterogeneous (i.e. made of human and non-human elements) frame alignments, as the successful outcomes of the strategical framing of emerging technologies by different stakeholder groups.

Paper long abstract:

This paper aims at investigating the emergence of Time-Lapse Photography (TLP) in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), as an example of heterogeneous frame alignment. The concept of frame alignment, stemming from Goffman's work, has been used in the analysis of social movement to explore the key elements in social mobilization. This paper proposes a conceptualization of heterogeneous (i.e. made of human and non-human elements) frame alignments, as the successful outcomes of the strategical framing of emerging technologies by different stakeholder groups.

This novel conceptualization is grounded on the empirical case of the emergence of TLP in IVF. TLP is an old imaging technique, where a camera is set to record a series of images at regular intervals. TLP is now available for monitoring the development of embryos in IVF cycles before they are transferred into the womb and is currently used as a support in deciding which embryos to transfer. However, it is often strategically framed as a potentially revolutionary instrument, as it might foster the production of knowledge in embryo development. This narrative is sustained by a variety of elements such as the interest of IVF clinics and developers; the mundanity and commercialization of infertility treatments and the willingness of patients to pay to view their embryos at an early stage; and the (positive) side effects of some TLP tools on embryo development. The case shows how the alignment of these heterogeneous elements foster the diffusion and stabilization of these tools, against conflicting medical results and contradictory professional opinions.