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Herd behavior in designer genes
1University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Wake Forest Law Review
|April 1, 2003
Summary
Reprogenetic technologies offer gene selection for children, raising ethical concerns. Economic analysis reveals herd behavior in trait selection, suggesting coordinated decisions can improve societal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Reproductive Technology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Gene selection technologies are advancing, potentially leading to a market for reprogenetic enhancements.
- Reprogenetics integrates reproductive biology and genetics, granting greater control over offspring traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the economic, ethical, legal, and social implications of reprogenetic trait selection.
- To analyze herd behavior and its impact on genetic trait choices in a biotechnological society.
Main Methods:
- Economic perspectives and game-theoretic models are used to analyze parental choices.
- Two competitive games model herd behavior driven by popularity or positional competition.
Main Results:
- Multiple equilibrium outcomes exist for individual reprogenetic choices and beliefs.
- Herd behavior, driven by social dynamics, significantly influences trait selection.
Conclusions:
- Societal efficiency can be achieved through coordinated reprogenetic decisions.
- Interventions by the state or private entities can guide parental beliefs and choices for optimal outcomes.