Conclusion: genetic diversity and science communication - some issues of 'translation' and language.
This commentary concerns some key themes from the symposium. While molecular genetics may provide new opportunities to articulate biological concepts of race, the ideological baggage associated with the term suggests that it is best dropped from discussions. In screening programmes and genetic practice, ethnic identity is likely to be an uncertain surrogate to identify individuals with particular genetic variants. Precise language and explanation will aid communication about genetic matters. Talking of genes for particular traits or diseases is unhelpful. School teaching of classic Mendelian genetics is ineffective and should be replaced with some teaching of elementary developmental biology based on matters of everyday salience and interest. Social science literature is replete with unfounded claims of geneticization.
Richards
M P M
MP
Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. mpmr@cam.ac.uk
D003142:Communication; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D006113:United Kingdom