CIAO DATE: 03/06

Geneticization of Deviant Behavior and Consequences for Stigma: The Case of Mental Illness

Abstract

The Human Genome Project represents a major scientific revolution likely to have many significant social consequences. One potential consequence is an increase in our tendency to understand human behavior in genetic terms. What are the likely consequences of such “geneticization” on the stigma attached to deviant behaviors? According to attribution theory, geneticization should decrease stigma by freeing the individual of responsibility, reducing blame and anger, and increasing sympathy and help. According to ideas about “genetic essentialism,” genes are increasingly viewed as the basis of human identity and strongly deterministic of behavior. If these ideas are common among the public, geneticization should exacerbate stigma by increasing the perception that the individual is fundamentally different from others and that the problem is persistent, serious and likely to occur in other family members. These beliefs should increase social distance and the desire to restrict reproductive behavior. I test these opposing predictions using a classic example of stigmatized behavior – serious mental illness. The study combines data from a vignette experiment embedded in a nationally representative survey with data from semi-structured interviews. There was little support for predictions based on attribution theory. In accordance with genetic essentialism, genetic attributions increased the perceived seriousness and persistence of the mental illness and the belief that a sibling and a child of the individual were likely to develop the same problem. Genetic attribution did not affect social distance from the person with mental illness or the belief that the person should refrain from marriage and having children. Genetic attribution did increase social distance from the person’s sibling, particularly regarding intimate forms of contact involving dating, marriage and having children. The results suggest that the Human Genome Project does bear with it the possibility of increased stigma and discrimination, particularly for biological relatives of stigmatized individuals.

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