Genetization of Society. Social Implications of the New Genetics

The 20th century witnessed the emergence of a new paradigm: genetic determinism which permeates biology, medicine and Western culture. It is commonly believed that the answer to questions regarding human health, personality traits, behavior and human nature in general can be found in human genome. The paper aims to look beyond the medicalization thesis toward the process of genetisation of society. Its main tenet is that the development of new genetics transforms social relations, culture, society and politics. Therefore, the objectives of the author are: 1) to discuss the impact of the new genetics on the emergence of new expressions of personal and collective identities, new forms of biopolitics and governmentality as well as the transformation of the idea of citizenship and ethos of duty, and 2) to present a critical analysis of the discourse of the new genetics.