ViewpointResisting revolution: generalism and the new genetics
Section snippets
Biological reductionism and the new genetics
The presentation of the new genetics in terms of a “revolution” involving the reformation of general practice by generating new tasks, detracts attention from its potential to preserve the core skills perceived to be under threat.13, 14, 16, 17 The rhetoric of revolution inherent in the epithet “new genetics” obscures the extent to which the implementation of genetic research in general practice will need to draw on both traditional and new skills.
Rhetorics of revolution capture public
Rhetorics of responsibility
The destabilisation of a professional knowledge/power base is ironic, given the close links between the new genetics and the politics of right-wing health policy. Clarke has described the increasing reliance on genetic variation to explain individual differences as the “geneticisation” of society.19 At its extreme, this reliance may allow governments to evade their responsibility for developing environmental, social, and economic policies that acknowledge the association of poverty, poor
Dilemmas from practice
Epidemiological evidence supports the role of behavioural, lifestyle, and environmental factors in assessing disease aetiology. Together with evidence of genetic contribution to disease, this indication renews the nature/nurture debate. The exact details of how gene expression may be modified by specific lifestyles and behavioural choices remains largely unclear in the context of common human diseases. While this gap in knowledge remains, GPs will be unable to provide tailored statistical
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Context, ethics and pharmacogenetics
2006, Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C :Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical SciencesIntegrating genetics as practices of primary care
2004, Social Science and MedicineFrom lab to lifestyle: Translating genomics into healthcare practices
2011, New Genetics and SocietyFamily history in primary care: Understanding GPs' resistance to clinical genetics - Qualitative study
2010, British Journal of General PracticeIdentifying future models for delivering genetic services: A nominal group study in primary care
2005, BMC Family Practice