Genomic Politics

"Genomic science is moving out of the laboratory and into societal uses, ranging from gene therapy for terrible diseases, to evidence determining guilt or innocence in a courtroom, discovery of one's racial and ethnic ancestry, prenatal testing, and much more. Genomics promises great benefits. It also entails great risks, ranging from surveillance to a revival of eugenics, the threat of bioterrorism, and the distortions brought about by understanding life as mechanically determined rather than freely chosen. This book explores the range of views in the American public, among social science experts, and among scientists and political leaders, about social uses of genomic science. It also examines views about how genomics should be governed and who can be trusted with this new capacity to shape the future of life itself. Genomic Politics portrays four responses to genomics: Enthusiasm about the benefits of using the science of genetic influence; Scepticism about the risks of using the science of genetic influence; Hope about developing social programs separate from genetic influence, and Rejection of the hubris of both genetic science and social programming. Using surveys, experts' judgments, and interviews with political and policy actors, the book shows that Blacks and Whites, as well as Democrats and Republicans, vary slightly in their views of genomics-but that the four crucial stances matter more. Hochschild concludes with observations about how genomic science might best be managed to provide medical, criminal justice, and societal gains while avoiding race, class, and genetic discrimination"-- Provided by publisher.