Narratives of race and indigeneity in the Genographic Project

J Law Med Ethics. 2007 Fall;35(3):412-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-720X.2007.00164.x.

Abstract

In its quest to sample 100,000 "indigenous and traditional peoples," the Genographic Project deploys five problematic narratives: (1) that "we are all African"; (2) that "genetic science can end racism"; (3) that "indigenous peoples are vanishing"; (4) that "we are all related"; and (5) that Genographic "collaborates" with indigenous peoples. In so doing, Genographic perpetuates much critiqued, yet longstanding notions of race and colonial scientific practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropology, Cultural
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Founder Effect
  • Genetic Research*
  • Genetics, Population*
  • Genomics*
  • Humans
  • Inheritance Patterns
  • Narration*
  • Organizational Objectives