Open AccessThe role of genetic essentialism and genetics knowledge in support for eugenics and genetically modified foods
Author(s) -
Benjamin Y. Cheung,
Anita Schmalor,
Steven Heine
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0257954
Subject(s) - eugenics , essentialism , value (mathematics) , genetics , sociology , biology , gender studies , machine learning , computer science
People are regularly exposed to discussions about the role of genes in their lives, despite often having limited understanding about how they operate. The tendency to oversimplify genetic causes, and ascribe them with undue influence is termed genetic essentialism. Two studies revealed that genetic essentialism is associated with support for eugenic policies and social attitudes based in social inequality, and less acceptance of genetically modified foods. These views about eugenics and genetically-modified foods were especially evident among people who had less knowledge about genes, potentially highlighting the value of education in genetics.