Racial-Genomic Interest Convergence and the Geneticization of Black Families

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Science
• Genomics Studies
• Critical Race Theory

Background:

• Commercialized genomics, particularly genetic ancestry tests (GATs), significantly influence societal communication and understanding of race.
• Existing frameworks often overlook the racial underpinnings and implications of genomic technologies for marginalized communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how commercialized genomics and GATs shape communication surrounding Black individuals and families.
• To explicate the role of critical race theory (CRT) in understanding GATs' connection to whiteness and their impact on defining Blackness.
• To investigate the concept of racial-genomic interest convergence between the GAT industry and Black consumers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research employing focus group interviews and individual interviews with GAT users.
• Media analysis to examine industry and consumer discourse surrounding GATs.
• Application of critical race theory (CRT) to interpret findings.

Main Results:

• Genetic ancestry tests (GATs) are shown to be embedded within and perpetuate notions of whiteness.
• A convergence of interests between the GAT industry and Black consumers was identified.
• This convergence highlights a codependency that reconstructs the understanding and representation of Black families.

Conclusions:

• The study introduces the concept of racial-genomic interest convergence to describe the relationship between the GAT industry and Black consumers.
• Findings underscore the need to critically examine the commercial genomics industry's role in racial identity construction.
• Implications are discussed for both the GAT industry and the future of Black families in the context of genomic technologies.