Boundaries in Genetic Discourse: Racial & Ethnic Self-Identification

Abstract

The findings of the Human Genome Project and related initiatives provide a commentary on the origins of humans, the interrelatedness of human groups, and differences among sub-populations. These findings challenge ways that various ethnic and racial groups traditionally define themselves and their histories. This has led to some resistance among ethnic minority groups to these genetic research projects. To address these issues, the researchers conducted a random-sample survey concerning the relationship between racial/ethnic self-identification and attitudes toward genomics, religious importance, and attitudes toward science. Our data indicate that people who self-identify themselves into different racial and ethnic groups differ significantly in their attitudes toward genomics.

Keywords:

• Ethnic identity
• Genetics
• Human genome project
• Racial identity

Notes

We should note that while “scientific racism” is generally a thing of the past in mainstream science, there are still numerous professors in prestigious positions who use science to proclaim the superiority of European Americans over other populations (Graves, 2001).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eric L. Morgan

Eric L. Morgan (Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2002) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at New Mexico State University.

Kenneth L. Hacker

Kenneth L. Hacker (Ph.D., University of Oregon, 1986) is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at New Mexico State University.