Dissecting people and ignoring social structure: an analysis of individualism, public policy, and genetic labeling

Genetic developments are examined from the vantage point of a social problems perspective, focusing on their tendency toward reinforcing individualism and undermining social structural analyses. The special situation of children is considered, with reference to the impact of genetic assessments of anti-social behavior, illegitimacy, intelligence, and the problem of genetic labeling. A research agenda for the future is suggested which recommends a realignment of priorities between genetic and social research.