The Double-Edged Helix
Social Implications of Genetics in a Diverse Society
Published on 1. July 2003
312 pages
978-0-8018-7758-2 (ISBN)
Description
Selected as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2003 from Choice Magazine
The Double-Edged Helix explores the impact of recent genetic discoveries on both different population segments and society as a whole. The authors address the medical and ethical implications of the new technologies, outlining 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, this book emphasizes the need to ensure that research into genetics research does not result in discrimination against people on the basis of their DNA.
The Double-Edged Helix explores the impact of recent genetic discoveries on both different population segments and society as a whole. The authors address the medical and ethical implications of the new technologies, outlining 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, this book emphasizes the need to ensure that research into genetics research does not result in discrimination against people on the basis of their DNA.
Reviews / Votes
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
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Baltimore, MD
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
File size
3,10 MB
ISBN-13
978-0-8018-7758-2 (9780801877582)
DOI
10.56021/9780801869648
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Joseph S. Alper | Catherine Ard | Adrienne Asch
The Double-Edged Helix
Social Implications of Genetics in a Diverse Society
Book
04/2004
Johns Hopkins University Press
€42.50
Article not available for order
Joseph S. Alper | Catherine Ard | Adrienne Asch
The Double-Edged Helix
Social Implications of Genetics in a Diverse Society
Book
12/2002
Johns Hopkins University Press
€65.81
Article exhausted; check different version
Persons
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.
Content
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
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
