S4.24 The Natural Lottery: How our genes shape our lives
Kat: Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re chatting with Professor Paige Harden about how genetic variations might affect our chances in life, and what - if anything - we should do with this information.
Life is all about luck, from the time, place and circumstances in which we were conceived, to the random assortment of genes we get from our parents - and the random assortment of genes they got from theirs. But while we’re increasingly having conversations about how social, racial and other forms of privilege can give us a leg up in life, and how to level the playing field so that everyone has a fair chance, are we ready to have the same conversation about how our random allocation in the genetic lottery might also be playing a role? And can we even separate the influence of nature from nurture for such complex issues?
After years of researching, writing and reporting on how genetic variations affect our health, and the importance of understanding these differences to make better tests and treatments that improve health for all, I’ve found it curious that there are some people who believe that the influence of genes stops at the neck. At the same time, looking back over the horrendous eugenic legacy of genetics research - and the prejudices and racism that are still around today - we also know only too well that genetic information can be used to divide and discriminate rather than help and support.
The Genetic Lottery
Paige Harden is Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she leads the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab and co-directs the Texas Twin Project, where she explores how genetic variations influence our behaviours and lives. She’s also the author of a new book based on her work, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality which, it’s fair to say, has attracted a certain amount of controversy.
In it, she argues that variations in our DNA that make us different, in terms of our personalities and our health, can affect our chances of educational and economic success in life. Rather than ignoring these differences, or simply saying “well, if it’s genetic, what can you do about it?”, she puts forward some ideas for how we can use our knowledge about genetics to achieve more equitable outcomes for everyone. To start with, I asked her how we go about studying the genetic influence on our brains, behaviours and lives.
Read the full interview with Paige here.
Thanks to Paige Harden for chatting with me. Her book, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality is out now wherever books are sold, including e-book and audio versions, and it’s certainly a thought-provoking read, whether you agree with her or not.
That’s the last of our new shows for 2021. We’ll be back in January 2022 with brand new interviews and stories, so make sure you’re subscribed through your podcatcher of choice so you don’t miss a single episode. Next time I’ll be bringing you a round up of our favourite bits of the year, and we’ll be republishing a few of our old favourites over the Christmas break for your listening pleasure.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
Image credits:
Paige Harden, Courtesy of Paige Harden
Shuffling Cards, Twenty20photos via Envato
Chopsticks, Twenty20photos via Envato
