Genetics Unzipped S4.24 The Natural Lottery: How our genes shape our lives
Dec 2, 2021
In this conversation, Professor Paige Harden, a Psychology expert at the University of Texas, explores how our genes influence life opportunities. She discusses her book, emphasizing the link between genetics and social privilege, along with the historical shadows of eugenics. The importance of inclusivity in genetic research is highlighted, particularly in combatting harmful ideologies. Harden also tackles how genetic variations intersect with cultural contexts and societal inequalities, advocating for a responsible understanding of genetics in promoting social equity.
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Family Genomes Reveal Causal Effects
- Measuring genetic differences between siblings uses the random shuffle of inheritance to show genes causally influence traits.
- Family-based genomic studies provide powerful natural experiments beyond classic twin designs.
Genes And Environment Are Intertwined
- Genes and social environment always interact during development so separating them cleanly is the wrong goal.
- Trace how genetic starting points channel lives through social responses to see long-term effects.
Genetics Change Probabilities Not Fates
- Genetic influences on complex outcomes are probabilistic not deterministic and vary by context.
- Polygenic effects change outcome probabilities rather than cause specific, uniform outcomes like single-gene disorders.
