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After geneticization

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  • Arribas-Ayllon, Michael

Abstract

The concept of geneticization belongs to a style of thinking within the social sciences that refers to wide-ranging processes and consequences of genetic knowledge. Lippman’s original use of the term was political, anticipating the onerous consequences of genetic reductionism and determinism, while more recent engagements emphasise the productivity and heterogeneity of genetic concepts, practices and technologies. This paper reconstructs the geneticization concept, tracing it back to early political critiques of medicine. The argument is made that geneticization belongs to a style of constructionist thinking that obscures and exaggerates the essentializing effects of genetic knowledge. Following Hacking’s advice, we need a more literal sense of construction in terms of ‘assembly’ to give a clearer account of the relationship between processes and products. Using the ‘assemblage’ concept to explore the social ontology of genetics, the paper reviews three areas of the empirical literature on geneticization – disease classification, clinical practice and biosociality – to show that a new style of thinking has appeared within the social sciences. In the final assessment, the conditions that gave rise to geneticization are now obsolete. While it may serve as a useful ritual of debate, conceptually geneticization offers a limited account of the heterogeneity of socio-technical change.

Suggested Citation

  • Arribas-Ayllon, Michael, 2016. "After geneticization," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 132-139.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:159:y:2016:i:c:p:132-139
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.05.011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lippman, A., 1992. "Led (astray) by genetic maps: The cartography of the human genome and health care," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 1469-1476, December.
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    4. Miller, Fiona Alice & Ahern, Catherine & Ogilvie, Jacqueline & Giacomini, Mita & Schwartz, Lisa, 2005. "Ruling in and ruling out: Implications of molecular genetic diagnoses for disease classification," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(12), pages 2536-2545, December.
    5. Hall, Edward, 2005. "The 'geneticisation' of heart disease: a network analysis of the production of new genetic knowledge," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(12), pages 2673-2683, June.
    6. Armstrong, David & Michie, Susan & Marteau, Theresa, 1998. "Revealed identity: a study of the process of genetic counselling," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 47(11), pages 1653-1658, December.
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