Genetics and Social Inquiry

Posted: 4 Jun 2010

See all articles by Jeremy Freese

Jeremy Freese

Northwestern University

Sara Shostak

Brandeis University

Date Written: August 2009

Abstract

Social science and genetic science still have fairly little engagement with one another, but the continued swift development of genetic science has certainly gained social scientists’ attention. First, some social scientists are incorporating techniques from quantitative and molecular genetics into their work. Genetic data are increasingly recognized as providing valuable leverage even for research animated by strict interest in social environmental causes. Second, social scientists have been interested in understanding aspects of genetic science as a social phenomenon. This literature identifies possible noxious effects of uncritical public acceptance of genetic science, although how consistent these speculations are with public opinion and other available data is less clear. Because public understanding of genetics can influence behavior and social policies in ways that affect the ultimate causal potency of genes themselves, adequately theorizing genes as causes requires integration of these two lines of inquiry.

Suggested Citation

Freese, Jeremy and Shostak, Sara, Genetics and Social Inquiry (August 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1603419 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-soc-070308-120040

Jeremy Freese (Contact Author)

Northwestern University ( email )

2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
United States

Sara Shostak

Brandeis University ( email )

Waltham, MA 02454
United States

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