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The Impact of Genomics on Concepts of Race, Ethnicity, Kinship and Individual and Group Identity
Grand Challenge III-2, III-3, III-4
As the number of genetic association studies increases, studies of differences in allele frequencies among populations for various diseases and behavioral traits will also proliferate. Some such studies, if interpreted or reported irresponsibly, have the potential to stigmatize entire racial or ethnic groups. Recent research on the role of natural selection in the human lineage and potential geographic differences in the distribution of selective genetic adaptations further highlights the need for continued attention to this area of research. Research in this area examines the complex historical, social and psychological contexts of genomics-derived data as it relates to concepts of race, ethnicity, kinship and identity.
Examples of possible research questions include:
- How are study populations currently defined and identified by genetics and genomics researchers? What are the most accurate and effective ways to define and identify populations in genetics and genomics research?
- How do researchers and the press interpret and report the findings of genetic and genomic studies that reveal allele frequency differences among different populations? What are the most accurate and scientifically valid approaches to doing this?
- What are the ethical, legal and social issues related to the use of genomics to determine the geographic ancestry of individuals and populations?
- How does the public's understanding of recent positive natural selection relate to their conceptions about differences between racial and ethnic groups?
Last Reviewed: March 27, 2008
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