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Well-meaning physicians, parents, and even scientists today often spread misinformation about what biology can and can’t tell us about our bodies, minds, and identities. In this accessible, myth-busting book, geneticist Shoumita Dasgupta draws on the latest science to correct common misconceptions about how much of our social identities are actually based in genetics.
Dasgupta weaves together history, current affairs, and cutting-edge science to break down how genetic concepts are misused and how we can approach scientific evidence in a socially responsible way. With a unifying and intersectional approach disentangling biology from bigotry, the book moves beyond race and gender to incorporate categories like sexual orientation, disability, and class. Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins is an invaluable, empowering resource for biologists, geneticists, science educators, and anyone working against bias in their community.
“Geneticist Shoumita Dasgupta’s thorough explanation of the science of psychological bias and human genetics in Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins offers a starting point for an updated overview of research in these fields that sheds light on the history of essentialism and what to do about it.”
“A compelling blend of memoir, science, and social critique. It affirms that identity, potential, and worth extend far beyond DNA—and that by embracing this truth, we can build a more equitable scientific community.”
“Dasgupta nicely covers just enough science background that the text is accessible to anyone who has studied the basics of genetics, while remaining relevant for any seasoned educator in the field. The issues tackled are timely, appropriate, and well presented, with ample examples and anecdotes that could be pulled to contextualize and enhance any discussion of modern human genetics.”
“…remarkable clarity and insight.”
“A thoughtful compilation of how and where bias manifests in the context of biological and medical research on and about humans. . . . The text lays bare why practicing scientists, and the medical world and public at large, should care about identifying and engaging bias. This is a proactive and persistent approach, one that inspires hope in the face of some pretty awful histories and contemporary realities.”
List of Figures, Tables, and Text Box
1. Why Me?
PART I WHAT DOES SCIENCE TELL US?
2. On the Origins of Bias
3. The Flawed Premise of Genetic Essentialism
4. Biology of Human Populations—Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry
5. Biology of Human Populations—Sex and Gender
6. Pregnancy, Bodily Autonomy, and Reproductive Justice
7. Disability
8. What Genetics Doesn’t Fully Explain—Sociobehavioral Genetics and Society
PART II HISTORY AND POLICY
9. Contemporary Eugenics and Its Historical Roots
10. Personal Genetic Information, Privacy, and the Justice System
PART III GENETICS IN SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
11. Who Gets Left Behind
12. Race-Based Medicine
13. The Future of Genomic Medicine
PART IV INTEGRATING THESE STORIES
14. Our Shared Responsibilities
Afterword. A Call to Action
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Bibliography
Index