The Double-Edged Helix: Social Implications of Genetics in a Diverse Society

by Joseph S. Alper (Editor), Catherine Ard (Editor), Adrienne Asch (Editor), Jon Beckwith (Editor), Peter Conrad (Editor)

Overview

This bioethics anthology exploring the questions and controversies surrounding the innovations of 21st century genetics.

When the Human Genome Project completed its work in the early 2000s, it was hailed as a watershed moment in the history of medicine. But not everyone felt the same optimism about where the breakthrough might lead. The Double-Edged Helix explores the impact of recent genetic discoveries on society as a whole as well as individual populations and communities.

This volume outlines potential positive and negative effects of genetic research on minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those of diverse sexual orientations. Presenting a wide array of perspectives, contributors address the medical and ethical implications of newly available technologies, from prenatal genetic screenings to the so-called “gay gene” debates. They emphasize the need to ensure that genetics research does not lead to discrimination against people on the basis of their DNA.

A Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Title

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801877582
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	04/27/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	394
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Joseph S. Alper, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts. Catherine Ard, M.M.H.S., is a doctoral candidate in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Adrienne Asch, Ph.D., is the Henry Luce Professor in Biology, Ethics, and the Politics of Human Reproduction at Wellesley College. Jon Beckwith, Ph.D., is American Cancer Society Research Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Peter Conrad, Ph.D., is the Harry Coplan Professor of Social Sciences at Brandeis University. Lisa N. Geller, Ph.D., J.D., is an associate at Fish and Richardson, P.C., in Boston.

Table of Contents

List of Contributors
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Perspectives on Perspectives
Chapter 1. Genetic Complexity in Human Disease and Behavior
Chapter 2. Geneticists in Society, Society in Genetics
Chapter 3. Genetics and Behavior in the News: Dilemmas of a Rising Paradigm
Chapter 4. Advocacy Groups and the New Genetics
Chapter 5. Invisible Women: Gender, Genetics, and Reproduction
Chapter 6. Prenatal Diagnosis and Selective Abortion: A Challenge to Practice and Policy
Chapter 7. African American Perspectives on Genetic Testing
Chapter 8. Genetics, Race, and Ethnicity: Searching for Differences
Chapter 9. The Origins of Homosexuality: No Genetic Link to Social Change
Chapter 10. Diversity and Complexity in Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transsexual Responses to "Gay-Gene" Debates
Chapter 11. The Commercialization of Genetic Technologies: Raising Public Awareness
Chapter 12. Individual, Family, and Societal Dimensions of Genetic Discrimination: A Case Study Analysis
Chapter 13. Current Developments in Genetic Discrimination
Index

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

Reviewer: Patricia Power, MS (British Columbia Children's Hospital)
Description: This aptly named book is the collective effort of an impressive and lengthy list of contributors.
Purpose: The book reminds us of the broader implications of genetics in medicine. Although the use of technology in the understanding of human development, disease, and therapy has been brilliant, the authors revisit the bioethical and social science of genetic research. They define and redefine society, community, and the individual with strength and empathy. They approach and remark on areas of long-standing political debate and recognize the inherent complexities. This book contains an awe-inspiring amount of information and by and large fulfills its lofty aims.
Audience: The readership is limitless; the book has something for everyone and can be enjoyed by all. Given the book's objectives, the stunning and scholarly list of contributors from varied disciplines is not surprising.
Features: The book is very dense but exceptionally well written and presented. The authors address the major social and ethical themes relating to genetics in medicine. The descriptive and illustrative ideas used to convey broader dilemmas are excellent. The immensely helpful introduction is followed by chapters that are equally as strong and stand on their own. The overall quality and appearance of the book is fantastic. The uniqueness of this book lies in the comprehensive yet concise presentation of ideas and debates in a field where few books dare to go.
Assessment: This is a wonderful collaborative accomplishment. It is a success.

Doody's Review Service

Bringing the concerns of different communities together in a single volume makes it possible to appreciate the mosaic of human issues more fully and forces us to anticipate the challenges that may arise—and that will require our attention—as the genetic revolution proceeds . . . A much needed antidote to the current genetic hoopla.
—Doris Teichler Zallen, Journal of the American Medical Association

A cautious look at the effects of genetic discoveries on society . . . The issues raised by this book are valid, and all scientists should be aware of them. I often found myself nodding in agreement.
—Jeffrey C. Long, New England Journal of Medicine

The authors present several thought-provoking issues in regard to prenatal genetic screening and selective abortion. It's a great contribution to the field.
—Fernando I. Rivera, Contemporary Sociology

This book superbly and successfully fills its purpose—to show the need for dialogue between researchers, health care professionals, communities, and individuals regarding various aspects of genetic technology.
—Choice

From the Publisher

A cautious look at the effects of genetic discoveries on society . . . The issues raised by this book are valid, and all scientists should be aware of them. I often found myself nodding in agreement.

New England Journal of Medicine - Jeffrey C. Long

Bringing the concerns of different communities together in a single volume makes it possible to appreciate the mosaic of human issues more fully and forces us to anticipate the challenges that may arise—and that will require our attention—as the genetic revolution proceeds . . . A much needed antidote to the current genetic hoopla.

Journal of the American Medical Association - Doris Teichler Zallen

The authors present several thought-provoking issues in regard to prenatal genetic screening and selective abortion. It's a great contribution to the field.

Contemporary Sociology - Fernando I. Rivera

This book superbly and successfully fills its purpose—to show the need for dialogue between researchers, health care professionals, communities, and individuals regarding various aspects of genetic technology.

Choice

The authors present several thought-provoking issues in regard to prenatal genetic screening and selective abortion. It's a great contribution to the field.

— Fernando I. Rivera

Contemporary Sociology

Bringing the concerns of different communities together in a single volume makes it possible to appreciate the mosaic of human issues more fully and forces us to anticipate the challenges that may arise -- and that will require our attention -- as the genetic revolution proceeds... A much needed antidote to the current genetic hoopla.

— Doris Teichler Zallen

Journal of the American Medical Association

A cautious look at the effects of genetic discoveries on society... The issues raised by this book are valid, and all scientists should be aware of them. I often found myself nodding in agreement.

— Jeffrey C. Long

New England Journal of Medicine