Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine
Ethnicity and Innovation in Tay-Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sickle Cell Disease
By Keith Wailoo, Stephen Pemberton | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
About the book
Winner of the History of Science category of the Professional and Scholarly Publishing Awards given by the Association of American Publishers
Why do racial and ethnic controversies become attached, as they often do, to discussions of modern genetics? How do theories about genetic difference become entangled with political debates about cultural and group differences in America? Such issues are a conspicuous part of the histories of three hereditary diseases: Tay-Sachs, commonly identified with Jewish Americans; cystic fibrosis, often labeled a \"Caucasian\" disease; and sickle cell disease, widely associated with African Americans.
In this captivating account, historians Keith Wailoo and Stephen Pemberton reveal how these diseases—fraught with ethnic and racial meanings for many Americans—became objects of biological fascination and crucibles of social debate. Peering behind the headlines of breakthrough treatments and coming cures, they tell a complex story: about different kinds of suffering and faith, about unequal access to the promises and perils of modern medicine, and about how Americans consume innovation and how they come to believe in, or resist, the notion of imminent medical breakthroughs.
With Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease as a powerful backdrop, the authors provide a glimpse into a diverse America where racial ideologies, cultural politics, and conflicting beliefs about the power of genetics shape disparate health care expectations and experiences.
Editions of Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780801883255
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780801883262
- EBook
- ISBN 9780801889363
Read an Excerpt
Winner of the History of Science category of the Professional and Scholarly Publishing Awards given by the Association of American Publishers
Why do racial and ethnic controversies become attached, as they often do, to discussions of modern genetics? How do theories about genetic difference become entangled with political debates about cultural and group differences in America? Such issues are a conspicuous part of the histories of three hereditary diseases: Tay-Sachs, commonly identified with Jewish Americans; cystic fibrosis, often labeled a \"Caucasian\" disease; and sickle cell disease, widely associated with African Americans.
In this captivating account, historians Keith Wailoo and Stephen Pemberton reveal how these diseases—fraught with ethnic and racial meanings for many Americans—became objects of biological fascination and crucibles of social debate. Peering behind the headlines of breakthrough treatments and coming cures, they tell a complex story: about different kinds of suffering and faith, about unequal access to the promises and perils of modern medicine, and about how Americans consume innovation and how they come to believe in, or resist, the notion of imminent medical breakthroughs.
With Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease as a powerful backdrop, the authors provide a glimpse into a diverse America where racial ideologies, cultural politics, and conflicting beliefs about the power of genetics shape disparate health care expectations and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine about?
Winner of the History of Science category of the Professional and Scholarly Publishing Awards given by the Association of American Publishers
Why do racial and ethnic controversies become attached, as they often do, to discussions of modern genetics? How do theories about genetic difference become entangled with political debates about cultural and group differences in America? Such issues are a conspicuous part of the histories of three hereditary diseases: Tay-Sachs, commonly identified with Jewish Americans; cystic fibrosis, often labeled a \"Caucasian\" disease; and sickle cell disease, widely associated with African Americans.
In this captivating account, historians Keith Wailoo and Stephen Pemberton reveal how these diseases—fraught with ethnic and racial meanings for many Americans—became objects of biological fascination and crucibles of social debate. Peering behind the headlines of breakthrough treatments and coming cures, they tell a complex story: about different kinds of suffering and faith, about unequal access to the promises and perils of modern medicine, and about how Americans consume innovation and how they come to believe in, or resist, the notion of imminent medical breakthroughs.
With Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease as a powerful backdrop, the authors provide a glimpse into a diverse America where racial ideologies, cultural politics, and conflicting beliefs about the power of genetics shape disparate health care expectations and experiences.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine?
Medicine and Nursing > Medicine / Healthcare: general issues / topics > History of medicine
Where can I read a sample of Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780801883255
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine?
Keith Wailoo, Stephen Pemberton
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780801883255) and paperback(ISBN 9780801883262) and ebook(ISBN 9780801889363)
Where can I buy Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine?