1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910797441203321

Titolo

Genetics, health and society / / edited by Brea L. Perry, Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

Pubbl/distr/stampa

United Kingdom : , : Emerald, , 2015

ISBN

1-78350-568-0

Edizione

[First edition.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (xxiii, 305 pages) : illustrations

Collana

Advances in medical sociology, , 1057-6290 ; ; v. 16

Disciplina

616.042

Soggetti

Genetics - Social aspects

Human genetics - Social aspects

Genetic engineering - Social aspects

Medical genetics

Medical genetics - Social aspects

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibligraphical references.

Nota di contenuto

Part I. Critical perspectives on genetics as usual -- Part II. Toward a sociology with genetics -- Part III. Genetic complexity in medical ethics and practice.

Sommario/riassunto

Gene-environment interactions and epigenetics are often conceptualized as key mechanisms underlying the influence of social status and social interaction on the distribution of health and illness in society. At the same time, genetic technologies, research, and explanations for health and behavior have rapidly infiltrated popular culture. Genetic information and treatments tailored to individual genomes are often portrayed as a panacea for the future of health care, but have yet to realize their potential, introducing new practical and ethical challenges.  This volume focuses on critical issues surrounding the intersection of genetics, health, and society. It provides a critical examination of sociological and biomedical approaches to genomics, including strengths and limitations of each perspective. It also highlights important epistemological and ethical issues which must be confronted before genomics can be leveraged to improve population health. Furthermore, how genetic technologies and testing have been used in medical practice to date is examined, highlighting the costs



and benefits of these innovations to society, groups, and individuals.