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20 - Environmental Sociology and the Genomic Revolution

from Part V - Resources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 November 2020

By
Valerie Berseth  and
Ralph Matthews
Edited by
Katharine Legun ,
Julie C. Keller ,
Michael Carolan  and
Michael M. Bell
Katharine Legun
Affiliation:
Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
Julie C. Keller
Affiliation:
University of Rhode Island
Michael Carolan
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
Michael M. Bell
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin, Madison
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Summary

The post-genomic era has given rise to a range of advanced genetic technologies that are being applied to a wide range of social-environmental problems, prompting debates about new and evolving risks to humans and the environment. A growing body of research has engaged with the implications of genomics for human cultures, institutions, and bodies, while overlooking the natural environment. We begin to address this ‘ecological gap’ by integrating recent work in conservation biology, epigenetics, and science and technology studies with core theoretical approaches in environmental sociology. We outline an environmental sociology of genomics through three emergent issues: the social and ecological risks of germline editing, diagnosing and intervening in environmental degradation, and the environmental justice dimensions of genetic science. Genomics offers powerful tools for understanding the material influences of human societies on the genetic makeup and diversity of species and prescribe courses of action for conservation and management Simultaneously, applying genomic technologies to the natural world reflects values, priorities, and desires that are socially constructed. Further research is needed to investigate how existing institutional structures and decision-making processes can adapt to address the intergenerational effects and uncertainties associated with the post-genomic era.

Keywords

Genomicsrisksnaturematerialismsocial constructionconservationenvironmental justice
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Environmental Sociology , pp. 342 - 359
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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