Genetics and Social Behavior
Title
Genetics and Social Behavior
Author
Harpending, Henry
Cochran, Gregory
Research Area
Special Areas of Interdisciplinary Study
Topic
Genetics, the Individual and Society
Abstract
We focus on the effects of gene differences on social and behavioral differences among individuals and among larger groups of individuals. Many specific genetic markers are known that influence aspects of personality and behavior. The focus on single genes and groups of genes is giving way to quantitative genetics, the statistical study of transmission of characteristics viewed as the outcome of the effects of very large numbers of genes. While traditional social science largely ignores the effects of genetically transmitted influences, the subject persists and grows in importance. Classical quantitative genetic methods may give much insight into human behavioral diversity and they provide the “right” way to measure and assess variation in rates of threshold traits. We discuss examples, trends, and possibilities for the incorporation of genetic data and models in the social and behavioral sciences without advocating major changes in practice.