The relationship between genomics, race, and disease is a complex and multifaceted topic. Let’s delve into it:
Genomic Knowledge and Inequality:... moreThe relationship between genomics, race, and disease is a complex and multifaceted topic. Let’s delve into it:
Genomic Knowledge and Inequality:
Genomics, the study of an individual’s genetic material, has the potential to perpetuate inequality and structural racism.
Despite ample evidence emphasizing the social and political nature of health disparities, there has been a shift in focus from environmental causes to genetic causes.
Health disparities are sometimes imagined to be solely the result of DNA differences, rather than considering the intergenerational health effects of societal racism.
Genomics research can reinforce the notion that race is determined by our genes, which can further entrench structural racism1.
Genetic Ancestry and Disease Risk:
Recent studies have argued for a strong correlation between genetic ancestry and race, advocating for the continued use of genetic ancestry measures in disease studies.
However, relying solely on continental genetic ancestr... less
