Description
Book SynopsisA groundbreaking analysis of how the genomic revolution is transforming American society and creating new social divisions-some along racial lines-that promise to fundamentally shape American politics for years to come. The emergence of genomic science in the last quarter century has revolutionized medicine, the justice system, and our understanding of who we are. We use genomics to determine guilt and exonerate the falsely convicted; devise new medicines; test embryos; and discover our ethnic and national roots. One might think that, given these advances, most would favor the availability of genomic tools. Yet as Jennifer Hochschild explains in Genomic Politics, the uses of genomic science are both politically charged and hotly contested. After all, genomics might result in bioterrorism, a demand for designer babies, or a revival of racial biology.Political divisions around genomics do not follow the usual left-right ideological divides that dominate most of American politics. Through
Trade ReviewThe Genomics Revolution is all around us, and it is wise to watch carefully for both positives and negatives, both personal and global. This book is a superbly balanced and comprehensive guide to enable all of us to understand and engage with that watching, working together to prevent mishaps and ensure equitable access to benefits. * George Church, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School *
'The issues that genomics poses are too important, new, and complex to afford the luxury of one-sided or partial viewpoints,' Jennifer Hochschild writes is this pathbreaking book about a new scientific revolution that inspires hope, awe and wonder as well as anxiety, uneasiness and even alarm. She lives up to her own standard by painstakingly, empathetically and engagingly explaining the arguments we are likely to have with each other while being upfront about her own nuanced views. Genomic Politics is an important achievement, a model of careful research, honest reflection and political savvy. * E. J. Dionne Jr., author of Code Red and Our Divided Political Heart *
Nobody is talking about the science-fictionesque reality of gene editing and genetic prediction that has arrived. Nobody, that is, except Jennifer Hochschild in her wonderful book, Genomic Politics. Unlike most issues, currently genetic policy is not highly polarized—though that's sure to change soon enough as charges of eugenics or 'playing god' start flying. Hochschild offers advice on how we might have a fruitful public dialogue as we approach this transformative technology. A must read for anyone concerned with science and society. * Dalton Conley, Henry Putnam University Professor of Sociology, Princeton University *
In this brilliant multi-method exploration, Hochschild shows how citizens and experts form beliefs about genomics and determine whether to oppose or support it. The answer lies not in political ideology or partisanship—the fallback explanation that many may presume—but rather in attitudes about genetics and risk. The book provides a remarkable portrait of what people think of genomics. Even more important is that Hochschild reveals how people form their impressions on new issues with huge public policy consequences. A must read for those interested in genomics and for anyone who cares about the public, preferences, and democratic governance. * James N. Druckman, Payson S. Wild Professor of Political Science, Northwestern University *
Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments 1: Political puzzles: BiDil, ancestry testing, forensic biobanks, and prenatal gene editing 2: The basic framework: nature and nurture, risks and gains 3. Disputes over genomic science are not partisan 4. Enthusiasm and skepticism 5. Hope and rejection 6. Experts 7. Locating the public in the basic framework 8. Why are Americans enthusiastic, skeptical, hopeful, or rejecting? 9. Who should govern? 10. Governing genomics Appendix Endnotes
