The social dynamics of genetic testing: the case of Fragile-X.
This article considers a program to screen school children for Fragile-X Syndrome as a way to explore several features of the growing practice of genetic testing in American society. These include the common practice of predictive testing in nonclinical settings; the economic, entrepreneurial, and policy interests that are driving the development of genetic screening programs; and the public support for genetic testing even when there are no effective therapeutic interventions. Drawing from research on popular images of genetics, I argue that cultural beliefs and expectations, widely conveyed through popular narratives, are encouraging the search for diagnostic information and enhancing the appeal of genetic explanations for a growing range of conditions.
Nelkin
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Department of Sociology, New York University, USA.
D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002648:Child; D003120:Colorado; D016520:Entrepreneurship; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000191:economics; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012945:Social Values; D012962:Sociology, Medical