Genetic Racialization: Ancestry Tests and the Reification of Race

Article Ethnic Studies

Teaching Race after the Genome: An Approach to Challenging Biological Understandings of Race in the Classroom

Luis A. Romero et al.

Summary: DNA-based ancestry testing, a billion-dollar industry with millions of consumers, is popular for people seeking knowledge of their ancestry and family health history. However, sociologists have pointed out the risk of reinvigorating dubious connections between biology and race.

SOCIOLOGY OF RACE AND ETHNICITY (2023)

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Article Sociology

Bridging Boundaries? The Effect of Genetic Ancestry Testing on Ties across Racial Groups

Wendy D. Roth et al.

Summary: The widespread use of genetic ancestry testing has led to questions about its impact on society. This study investigates whether taking genetic ancestry tests and receiving results of specific ancestries increases racial diversity in the social networks of White Americans. Surprisingly, the findings show that the racial diversity in the social networks of test-takers actually decreases after testing. The results suggest that test-takers reassess their perceptions of others' race.

SOCIAL PROBLEMS (2022)

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Article Ethnic Studies

The Blood Line: Racialized Boundary Making and Citizenship among Native Nations

Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear

Summary: This article explores the role of blood quantum in American Indian populations, analyzing how blood quantum affects the criteria for tribal citizenship and its connection to contemporary forces.

SOCIOLOGY OF RACE AND ETHNICITY (2021)

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Article Sociology