Genetic knowledge: the contribution of sociologies

Abstract

Different sociologies have a contribution to make in terms of identifying problems with untheorized notions of lay knowledge about genetics. This chapter reviews the insights afforded by different sociological traditions, including subjectivism, feminism, anti-racism, disability rights perspectives, critical realism and post-modernism. Collectively, these sociologies caution against certainty in (1)the conception of genetic knowledge; (2)the actions of health professionals; and (3)the implementation of genetic policy.