Book Review

Abstract

Pilnick , A. Genetics and Society: an introduction. Buckingham : Open University Press , 2002 , £16.99 and £50.00 x + 213pp. ISBN 0335207359 (pbk) 0335207367 (cloth) Although there are many books and edited collections exploring the new genetics and society, this is probably one of the first student textbooks for what must be becoming an increasingly popular undergraduate option across a range of degrees. No knowledge of genetics, but a very basic knowledge of sociology is assumed. Consequently, much of the book involves outlining developments in genetics, in order that something sociological can be said about them. The book focuses on significant developments, mainly in human genetics, although there is an interesting chapter on genetically-modified foods. The sociological input is supplemented with a chapter on bioethics written by Robert Dingwall. Developments are identified as significant because of ‘public perceptions, social impact or public policy’ (p. 1). The choice of structure is important, as the author wants sociological themes to emerge from the debates about genetics, in order to reach a wide audience. The key sociological theme is risk, although the author touches on issues relating to the construction of scientific knowledge, family relationships, lay knowledge, power and professionalisation. The book is clearly written, although there is a tendency to express complex sociological issues in shorthand form, thus not really explicating the contribution that sociology can make to understanding (and influencing) the social context within which current genetics research operates. The science is explained well, but elsewhere the language tends to be rather informal instead of straightforwardly clear. The 10 chapters each have ‘boxes’ which provide some in-depth material to supplement the core work in the chapter. Some examples include ‘Key concepts from studies of scientific knowledge: actor-network theory and “black boxes”’ (p. 24), ‘Genetic testing for deafness’ (p. 76) and ‘Dolly and ageing’ (p. 147). There are summary points at the end of each chapter – these include a ‘sociological point’ alongside summaries of scientific developments or social commentary on these. There is a small selection of further reading at the end of each chapter, and, importantly, there are often web addresses to access up-to-date material throughout the text. After a brief introduction to genetics, the book provides an historical account of genetics, reductionism and determinism as well as social discrimination. The next chapter considers the research into genetics and behaviour, with a focus on aggression, alcoholism, homosexuality and intelligence. The limits of this research are well reviewed, and the controversies around them debated. The next three chapters provide the more typical material associated with the ‘new genetics’: antenatal screening and testing; genetic testing and the Human Genome Project, gene therapy and pharmacogenetics. Each of these provides an account of what is going on in the area, how it developed, and the social implications of research and application, often drawing from some sociological empirical work in the area. Chapter 7 focuses on genetically modified food, and some interesting comparisons between food and medicine are made. Chapter 8 describes and discusses cloning, and chapter 9 offers a critical account of the rise and use of bioethics. The final chapter considers the future and draws out key elements of the sociological critique: geneticisation; changing boundaries between health and disease; and reducing society to individuals. Throughout the book there is a tendency to focus on sociological issues raised by genetics rather than provide a thoroughly sociological account of genetics. Different choice of case material might have changed that: the sociological critique needs to be more embedded, rather than explored in a section towards the end of each chapter. It is hard to cover everything, of course, but the sociology or ‘society’ side of the title is a little disappointing. It is a very difficult task to write an introductory text on such a complex area; both genetics and sociology need to be explained. The sociological critique is perhaps rather muted in favour of a clear portrayal of the applications and implications of genetic science. The final bullet point of the text states that ‘Since genetic science is a rapidly growing part of society, it needs to be considered in its social context’ (p. 193). I wholeheartedly agree. The book does offer an all-round introduction to some sociological issues, organised around key developments in genetic science. It will be easily read by social scientists and non-social scientists alike, and may be as useful on the shelves of those doing undergraduate science or health sciences courses, as of those doing social science.