1. SOC 573 Social Use of Genetic Information James G. Anderson Purdue University

2. Social Use of Genetic Information Genetic information used outside of medical settings Medicalization of social behavior - Behavior attributed to biological determinants - Human body considered to be a machine - Creation of social categories: Learning disabled High risk worker Deviant Legally competent - Leads to social policies regarding human reproduction, legal responsibility

3. Diagnostic Tests Outpace Ability to Provide Treatment Diagnosis affects course of illness in 8-30% of cases Mass screening is not cost-effective 350 markers for genetic diseases identified but most disorders have multiple genetic/social factors.

4. Common Disorders Downs Syndrome1/600 Sickle Cell Anemia 1/500 Cystic Fibrosis1/2000 Tay-Sachs Disease1/100,000

5. Prenatal Testing Prenatal counseling Sex selection Abortion of fetus with disabilities Problems: - Uncertainty - Lack of ability to correct abnormalities

6. Insurance Determine eligibility Exclude prior conditions Deny coverage (skimming) Questions: Is insurance a private business or a social institutions?

7. Employers Screening employees to determine susceptibility Responsibility on workers Discrimination Avoidance of liability Minimize insurance premiums

8. Schools Attribute problems to biology rather than social situations Categorize children for tracking Determine eligibility for special programs for handicapped Problems - stigmatization, uncertainty of prediction

9. Legal Institutions Competency Rehabilitation Medicalization of deviance DNA testing