The failure of gene-centrism

Behav Brain Sci. 2023 Sep 11:46:e209. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X22002436.

Abstract

"Challenging the utility of polygenic scores for social science" is a compelling but limited critique. Phenotypic development is sensitive to both initial conditions and all subsequent states - from conception to senescence. Thus, gene-centric analyses are misleading (and often meaningless) because gene products are transformed, and their phenotypic 'effects' combined and attenuated with successive propagations from molecular and cellular contexts to organismal and social environments.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Reproduction*
  • Social Environment*
  • Social Sciences