Abstract
The differences between copies of the human genome are very small, but tend to cluster in different populations. So, despite the fact that low inter-population differentiation does not support a biological definition of races statistical methods are nonetheless claimed to be able to predict successfully the population of origin of a DNA sample. Such methods are employed in commercial genetic ancestry tests, and particular genetic signatures, often in the male-specific Y-chromosome or maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA, have become widely identified with particular ancestral or existing groups, such as Vikings, Jews, or Zulus. Here, we provide a primer on genetics, and describe how genetic markers have become associated with particular groups. We describe the conflict between population genetics and individual-based genetics and the pitfalls of over-simplistic genetic interpretations, arguing that although the tests themselves are reliable, the interpretations are unreliable and strongly influenced by cultural and other social forces.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 142-161 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Ethnic and Racial Studies |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 14 Dec 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Jan 2016 |
Keywords
- genetic ancestry testing
- Genetics
- indigeneity
- migration
- recreational genomics
- reification of race