Genomic Politics: How the Revolution in Genomic Science Is Shaping American Society

Written by Jennifer Hochschild

Narrated by Samara Naeymi

The emergence of genomic science in the last quarter century has revolutionized medicine, the justice system, and our understanding of who we are. We use genomics to determine guilt and exonerate the falsely convicted; devise new
medicines; test embryos; and discover our ethnic and national roots. One might think that, given these advances, most would favor the availability of genomic tools. Yet as Jennifer Hochschild explains in Genomic Politics, the uses of genomic
science are both politically charged and hotly contested. After all, genomics might result in bioterrorism, a demand for “designer babies,” or a revival of racial biology.

Political divisions around genomics do not follow the usual left-right ideological patterns that dominate most of American politics. Through four controversial innovations resulting from genomic science—medicines for heart disease
approved for use by only African-Americans, on the grounds of genetic distinctiveness; use of DNA evidence in the criminal justice system; the search for one’s roots through genetic ancestry; and the use of genetic tests in prenatal
exams—Hochschild reveals how the phenomenon is polarizing America in novel ways. Advocates of genomic science argue that these applications will make life better, while opponents point out the potential for misuse—from racial profiling
to “selecting out” fetuses that gene tests show to have conditions like Down syndrome.

Hochschild’s central message is that the divide hinges on answers to two questions: How significant are genetic factors in explaining human traits and behaviors? And what is the right balance between risk acceptance and risk
avoidance for a society grappling with innovations arising from genomic science? Experts differ among themselves about who should make decisions about governing genomics’ uses, and Americans as a whole trust almost no one to do so.
A deeply researched and original analysis of the politics surrounding one of the signal issues of our times, this is essential reading for anyone interested in how the genetics revolution is shaping society.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705047118

Reviews for Genomic Politics

[scottjpearson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hochschild, an academic political scientist, has been closely following genomic research for the last decade. In this book, she presents a comprehensive summary of where the politics of genomics currently is in America and where we are going. She contends that genomics hasn’t split into traditional left-versus-right camps (yet) primarily because most people tend to be for curing difficult diseases. However, other camps are forming, and she accordingly divides public opinion into Enthusiasts, Hopefuls, Skeptics, and Rejectors. In her surveys, most Americans (4/5) fall into the Enthusiast or Hopeful groups.Obviously, this can and will change at some point. By analyzing the recent past, Hochschild tries to provide us a lens into the future. She divides practical ramifications into three main areas – ancestral, forensic/legal, and biomedical – and analyzes each according to her grid. She also attempts to ascertain our current situation from the position of genomic experts as well as the masses. Finally, she concludes with a probing view into the future, from what’s told to her and from her own perspective.She wisely tries to identify potential controversies and lynchpins for change. She aims to analyze objective evidence rather than persuade and wants her readers to see the global view instead of just agreeing with her (or someone’s) take. The book seems to succeed at this goal. This academic approach, as one would expect from a Harvard professor, is welcoming in an era of bellicose chattering on cable news television.Potential audiences abound for this work. Both conservatives and liberals will welcome the level-headed thinking even though each group might naturally find some parts off-putting. Wishing to envisage the future through a crystal ball, politicos, policy wonks, and genomic scientists all might gain pearls of wisdom. Even the interested American citizen might likewise benefit from reading this work. Its tone is definitely academic, but Hochschild tries to keep the popular audience involved without diverging into mere academic chatter.Overall, this work comprehensively tackles a difficult issue and provides some insight. Only time will tell how right or wrong she is. The author does not claim to be able to divine the future, but by deeply analyzing the past and the present, she provides the reading public with a gem.