The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality Free Audiobook Download by Kathryn Paige Harden
DNA is the foundation for life and personal identity. Scientists use DNA to understand biological processes, study human ancestry, and find patterns in human diseases. Other communities of people use their DNA as a resource to find out if they have non-traditional relatives that they may not have known about before. However, the rules of genetics are not fair or even. For example, there are certain groups that can get access to better health care with these genetic resources because of their race or socioeconomic status.
"The Genetic Lottery" is a story that analyzes the social inequalities and injustices between people in our society. The book argues that there is a very complex genetic predisposition to inequality, specifically between men and women. The author examines how genetic selection is a player in how we form our identities and how it impacts the future of society. This audiobook takes you through an experiment in which the protagonist learns about her own DNA and those around her to help them understand this concept and the too often overlooked role of genetics in society.
DNA is a powerful force, but it's also a handicap. It builds the innate differences between people and creates barriers to social equality. DNA has made some of us more susceptible to diseases, while others are more likely to have certain traits like intelligence, long life span, or athletic ability. DNA tells us where we belong in the world, but it doesn't provide concrete details that would allow everyone to move up in the world with equal opportunity.
The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality is a short, non-fiction book that explores the idea of genetics and why it's so important. The author takes a look at how genetics can affect one's life through different scenarios, offering her personal experiences with her own family as well as examples from real people.
Kathryn Paige Harden is an associate professor of social work and assistant professor of sociology at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She focuses on how genetic variation affects outcomes such as health, education, and crime. In her book, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality she argues that "genetic redlining" persists in the United States. This refers to how people with different genotypes are treated differently in many arenas like housing and employment opportunities which contributes to social inequality.
While DNA testing is a valuable tool for determining your genetic makeup, it can also be used to reinforce social inequalities. For example, DNA tests can determine whether you are genetically susceptible to certain illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. However, this information can be used by insurance companies to deny coverage for these illnesses. In addition, when the test results come out, they often turn into a "genetic lottery" with each person being assigned a different health risk based on their individual genetic profile.
Published Date | 2021-09-21 |
Duration | 10 hours 4 minutes |
Author | Kathryn Paige Harden |
Narrated | Katherine Fenton |
Reviews | |
Abridged | No |
Is It Free? | 30-days Free |
Category | Science & Technology |
Parent Category | Biology & Chemistry, Philosophy |