Brave New Choices? Behavioural genetics and public policy

Article

The rapid advancement of science, and particularly genetic science, is opening up new fields of knowledge to investigation, ethical debate and public policy development. As part of IPPR's Rethinking Social Justice project, this discussion paper considers recent advances in behavioural genetics - the study of how genes influence behaviour - and suggests how this research may be both useful and of concern to those interested in a fairer society and greater equality of opportunity.

The rapid advancement of science, and particularly genetic science, is opening up new fields of knowledge to investigation, ethical debate and public policy development. As part of IPPR's Rethinking Social Justice project, this discussion paper considers recent advances in behavioural genetics - the study of how genes influence behaviour - and suggests how this research may be both useful and of concern to those interested in a fairer society and greater equality of opportunity.

Related items

  1. View of Bank of England, Royal Exchange, and Duke of Wellington equestrian statue (1844) with skyscrapers and construction in background.

    Navigating in the fog: Why the OBR should hold its nerve on the productivity forecast

    The fiscal watchdog is under pressure to downgrade its forecast, costing the chancellor billions – but this would be premature.
  2. A busy bus full of people of all ages. An older couple smile at a younger woman with a baby in a pushchair

    Everyday concerns: What people want from transport

    Transport has a key role to play in achieving the UK government's missions and improving lives. 
  3. An unrecognisable woman playing a slot machine in a social club

    Reforming gambling taxation: How to lift half a million children out of poverty

    A key priority for the government’s upcoming child poverty strategy should be to remove the two-child limit and scrap the household benefit cap.