Publications
Publication details [#3612]
Condit, Celeste M. 1999. How the public understands genetics: Non-deterministic and non-discriminatory interpretations of the 'blueprint' metaphor. Journal of Folklore Research 8 : 169–180. 12 pp. URL
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English
Keywords
bioethics | blueprint metaphor | empirical study | genes and ethics | genetic code | genetic determinism | genetic medicine | genetics | metaphors for DNA | public understanding of science | recipe metaphor | science and society | students' interpretation | use of metaphor in science | use of metaphor in science communication
Abstract
Critics have worried that recent mass media coverage of genetics encourages genetic determinism and discriminatory attitudes in the public. They have identified the 'blueprint' metaphor as one major component of public discourse that encourages such undesirable public opinions. To assess public interpretations of popular discourse about genetics, this audience study exposed 137 college students to sample genetics news articles and asked for their interpretations of the 'blueprint' metaphor and of genetics in general. A larger group, the plurality, offered non-deterministic interpretations and perspectives on genetics. A small minority offered discriminatory interpretations, whereas a plurality offered explicit antidiscriminatory interpretations and opinions. Non-deterministic views were based on interpretations of the blueprint metaphor that understood genes as operating in a partial and probabilistic fashion, and that interpreted genes as malleable through individual will or technological intervention.
(Celeste Condit)