The failure of gene-centrism

Area of Science:

• Behavioral genetics
• Developmental biology
• Social sciences

Background:

• Polygenic scores (PGS) are increasingly used in social science research.
• A recent critique questions the utility of PGS in this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the limitations of gene-centric analyses, specifically polygenic scores, in understanding complex human traits within social science.
• To highlight the inadequacy of solely focusing on genetic predispositions due to the dynamic nature of development.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis integrating developmental biology and genetics.
• Critique of gene-centric approaches in social science research.

Main Results:

• Phenotypic development is a continuous process influenced by initial conditions and all subsequent environmental and biological states.
• Gene products undergo transformation and their phenotypic effects are modulated across molecular, cellular, organismal, and social contexts.
• Gene-centric analyses, including polygenic scores, are deemed misleading and potentially meaningless due to this complex developmental trajectory.

Conclusions:

• The utility of polygenic scores for explaining social science phenomena is severely limited.
• A holistic, developmental perspective is crucial for understanding the interplay between genes and environment in shaping human behavior and social outcomes.