Genetic Inclusion: Science, Política, and Identities in Mexico and Brazil

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

This panel examines the promise and peril of genetics as a mediator of identity and citizenship. Over recent decades, genetic and genomic technologies have been heralded as a means to know specific populations, raising issues of privacy, vulnerability, access, and visibility. Drawing on historical and anthropological case studies of public health, medicine, forensic science, and population genetics, these papers examine the following: Who is “included” in genetic socio-technical projects and how? What choice is available for those incorporated into forensic data banks, bio-repositories, or new public policies? How are citizenship and identity renegotiated through the governance of genetic selves?

Sub Track

• Health and Society

Session Organizer

• Rosanna Dent, University of Pennsylvania

Chair

• Rosanna Dent, University of Pennsylvania

Individual Presentations

• Including the Indigenous: Xavante Genes in Brazilian Human Population Genetics since 1950 - Rosanna Dent, University of Pennsylvania

• The Creation of Brazilian Forensic DNA databases and Disputes over “Rights” - Vitor S Richter, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

• Capitalizing Mexican Genomics: Mestizo and Latino Identity in an Increasingly Privatized Scientific Arena - Emily E Vasquez, Columbia University

• An Identity Crisis: The Politics of Race, Health, and Citizenship for Sickle Cell Disease in Brazil - Melissa Creary, Emory University

Discussant

• Alexandra M Stern, University of Michigan