Negotiating Risk

British Pakistani Experiences of Genetics

Alison Shaw author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Berghahn Books

Published:1st Jan '09

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Negotiating Risk cover

Drawing on fieldwork with British Pakistani clients of a UK genetics service, this book explores the personal and social implications of a ‘genetic diagnosis’. Through case material and comparative discussion, the book identifies practical ethical dilemmas raised by new genetic knowledge and shows how, while being shaped by culture, these issues also cross-cut differences of culture, religion and ethnicity. The book also demonstrates how identifying a population-level elevated ‘risk’ of genetic disorders in an ethnic minority population can reinforce existing social divisions and cultural stereotypes. The book addresses questions about the relationship between genetic risk and clinical practice that will be relevant to health workers and policy makers.

“…a timely analysis…Shaw’s work offers many insights to those working with potentially affected people, healthcare policy makers and planners, and those in the general public who are interested in these issues.  ·  Social Anthropology/Anthropologie sociale

This book is a long awaited breath of fresh air to put risky genes and tradition into proper scientific context.  ·  Human Biology

This is a sensitively written and engaging account of a very difficult topic – both intellectually and emotionally. Shaw’s long-standing research with British Pakistanis in the Oxford area is very evident in her ability to develop strong relationships with informants, based on shared understandings and empathy. Shaw manages to produce a book which is both academically rigorous and highly readable, indeed compelling. This is not only a remarkable achievement in itself; it also means that the volume can – and should – be read not just by anthropologists and other social scientists, but by health professionals and policy makers. It should be compulsory reading for medical students!  ·  Anthropos

“This is a thoughtful examination of important issues of risk, genetic information and the development of diaspora specific narratives. It is both systematic and engaging, which is not an easy thing to accomplish. Overall I think Shaw has made a remarkable contribution to a topic which is rife with words printed but sadly lacking in innovative approaches.”  ·  Stephen Lyon, Durham University

“…an excellent piece of work [that] addresses a very important debate at the intersection of clinical genetics, delivery of health services to ethnic minorities and anthropology “  ·  Bob Simpson, Durham University

ISBN: 9781845455484

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 562g

320 pages