Behavioral Genetics : The Clash of Culture and Biology

This book provides a very useful introduction to key debates in and about behavioral genetics. A nice range of topics and perspectives is provided, many by leaders in the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, ethics, etc. Several articles (such as those by tobin, duster, and carson) are extremely insightful and informative, and purchase of the book is worthwhile for the articles alone. (If only it were in paperback!) But, like many edited volumes that cover "hot" topics, this book suffers from a lack of coherence. As noted by the professional reviewer, one must wonder to what "clash" the editors refer - even when contained in the same volume, authors of different perspectives seem to talk past each other rather than "clash," and the editors don't really put the debates in a perspective that illuminates the perceived relationship between the two constructs of biology and culture. Indeed, the book jacket reveals the focus to be quite different than advertised: "Throughout, [the authors] focus on two basic concerns: the quality of the science behind behavioral genetic claims and the need to formulate an appropriate, ethically defensible response when the science turns out to be good." While this is certainly a worthwhile topic, it is not nearly as intellectually challenging or interesting as the title promises. Nevertheless, some selections deliver. Scientists conducting human genome research are identifying genetic disorders and traits at an accelerating rate. Genetic factors in human behavior appear particularly complex and slow to emerge, yet are raising their own set of difficult ethical, legal, and social issues. In Behavioral Genetics: The Clash of Culture and Biology, Ronald Carson and Mark Rothstein bring together well-known experts from the fields of genetics, ethics, neuroscience, psychiatry, sociology, and law to address the cultural, legal, and biological underpinnings of behavioral genetics. The authors discuss a broad range of topics, including the ethical questions arising from gene therapy and screening, molecular research in psychiatry, and the legal ramifications and social consequences of behavioral genetic information. Throughout, they focus on two basic concerns: the quality of the science behind behavioral genetic claims and the need to formulate an appropriate, ethically defensible response when the science turns out to be good. Scientists conducting human genome research are identifying genetic disorders and traits at an accelerating rate. Genetic factors in human behavior appear particularly complex and slow to emerge, yet have begun raising their own set of difficult ethical, legal, and social issues. In this volume, Ronald Carson and Mark Rothstein bring together well-known experts from the fields of genetics, ethics, neurosciences, psychiatry, sociology, and law to address the cultural and biological underpinnings of behavioral genetics. The authors discuss a broad range of topics, including the ethical questions arising from gene therapy and screening, molecular research in psychiatry, and the legal ramifications and social consequences of behavioral genetic information.Throughout, they focus on two basic concerns: the quality of the science behind behavioral genetic claims and the need to formulate an appropriate, ethically defensible response when the science turns out to be good. Amazing Grace: Sources Of Phenotype Variation In Genetic Boosterism / Allan J. Tobin -- In The Mainstream: Research In Behavioral Genetics / David C. Rowe And Kristen C. Jacobson -- Identifying The Molecular Genetic Basis Of Behavioral Traits / Stephanie L. Sherman And Irwin D. Waldman -- Complexity And Research Strategies In Behavioral Genetics / Kenneth F. Schaffner -- Beahvioral Genetic Determinism: Its Effects On Culture And Law / Mark A. Rothstein -- Predicting And Punishing Antisocial Acts: How The Criminal Justice System Might Use Behavioral Genetics / Lori B. Andrews -- Behavioral Genetics And Dismantling The Welfare State / Dorothy Nelkin -- The Social Consequences Of Genetic Disclosure / Troy Duster -- The Fate Of The Responsible Self In A Genetic Age / Ronald A. Carson. Edited By Ronald A. Carson And Mark A. Rothstein. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. In July 1983, I helped organize a Hereditary Disease Foundation workshop at the University of Rochester on the clinical implications of genetic testing.