Originally Published: Vol 11, Num 1 (Fall 2023)
Reference Number: 111.001
It is sometimes remarked that the quest for identity is the real aim of genealogy. But what is identity; what does human genetics offer to the identity debate; and how does genetic genealogy impact on cognitive views of identity? Currently, mention of DNA tends to polarize rather than unite. For example, Brodwin (2002; pp. 323, 324) opines that … to the dismay of anthropologists who fancy themselves as the cultural avant-garde, essentialist identities grow ever more powerful and seductive. He takes the view that emerging knowledge in the field … adds the cachet of objective science to the notion that one’s identity is an inborn, natural, and unalterable quality. Rapid advances in sequencing and analyzing the human genome have strengthened essentialist thinking about identity … He adds … Emerging genetic knowledge thus has the potential to transform contemporary notions of social coherence and group identity. Comfort (2019; p. 170), on the other hand, remarks that [d]efining the self only in biological terms tends to obscure other forms of identity, such as one’s labour or social role. Hauskeller (2004; p. 296) concurs and states: Although DNA is no doubt real, it is clear that there are systematic problems in employing it for purposes such as establishing identity. Clearly, the use of human genetics in identity is a controversial topic.
The most comprehensive article that I have come across about how genetics relates to identity shows that there is little agreement, even among scientists. The paper in question is a systematic scoping review of the concept of ‘genetic identity’ by Goekoop, et al (2020; pp. 1, 16). The authors found that: … a clear understanding of the term is lacking … Overall, the diversity in the use of ‘genetic identity’ in the reviewed literature demonstrates that the term is used differently in different contexts, but also within each context the meaning of the term can vary widely [and be used] … in contradicting ways (Goekoop, et al, 2020; pp. 1, 16).
The present paper provides a fresh look at this complex subject, taking care to define terms clearly and avoid—in as far as possible—the most obvious contradictions. It does not consider artificial interventions in human genetics. In other words, no medical therapies or interventions like organ transplants or blood transfusions are contemplated when considering biological identity. At this juncture, determining when a significant rupture has been caused and the biological identity of the individual has been compromised is open to interpretation and will be influenced by growing information about the functioning of our genome. However, this discussion is outside the remit of the presentation. In addition, the focus of the paper is on nuclear DNA rather than on mitochondria.
Hauskeller points out that DNA is real. But how do we account for it or incorporate it into wider identity studies? How does genetics impact on our cognitive or subjective views of identity which currently predominate? Intuitive approaches may appear more reasonable and compelling to many, than relying on what seems to be an indifferent chemical molecule to define the term. But surely DNA has a complementary role to play? It is only by knowing more about the subject that identity research will mature and answer questions about the role of human genetics in determining who we are. The purpose of this paper is to: 1) Provide a brief introduction to DNA and propose the human genome as a basis for genetic or biological identity; 2) Show how studies in human genetics and cognition can be compatible and complementary rather than irreconcilable or contradictory; and 3) Begin a discussion about how to capture mutually reinforcing benefits by amalgamating human genetics and subjective studies of cognition. The wider focus of the paper is on introducing biological or genomic identity as a base for identity, in contrast to cognitive perspectives, which are recognised here as expressions of how we identify or are identified.
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