Abstract :
This study examines the discursive landscape of organ donation in India by analysing media representations through a thematic framework. Employing thematic analysis, the research identifies four key conceptual themes: Biopolitics and Governance, Structural Inequalities, Ethical and Moral Debates, and Altruism and Social Recognition. The findings indicate that while policies such as the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) regulate organ transplantation, enforcement gaps persist, leading to inequities in access to transplants. Structural inequalities, particularly those based on gender and socioeconomic status, continue to influence donor-recipient dynamics, further reinforcing disparities. Ethical concerns, including the prevalence of illegal organ trade, complicate public perceptions and policy discussions, exposing tensions between altruism and market-driven incentives. Additionally, media narratives play a crucial role in shaping public attitudes toward organ donation, often emphasizing altruism and social responsibility through awareness campaigns and celebrity endorsements. However, these narratives frequently overlook financial constraints and limited access to transplantation facilities, particularly in rural India, thereby reinforcing existing socio-political hierarchies. Through a sociological and policy-oriented lens, this study critically assesses how media discourse both mirrors and perpetuates systemic inequalities, ultimately influencing public engagement and organ donation practices in India.
Keyword :
Organ donation, Media, Market, Organ transplantation, Gender, Inequality.