In the blood: the myth and reality of genetic markers of identity. Issue 2 (26th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jobling, Mark A.; Rasteiro, Rita; Wetton, Jon H.
• Is Part Of: Ethnic and racial studies. Volume 39:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2016-01-26
• Subjects: Genetics -- reification of race -- genetic ancestry testing -- recreational genomics -- indigeneity -- migration; Race -- Periodicals; Race relations -- Periodicals; Ethnic groups -- Periodicals; 305.805
• DOI: 10.1080/01419870.2016.1105990
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-9870

Abstract

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.