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. Mayors in motion: one year of the North’s newest mayors

    One year ago today, northern voters chose two new Labour mayors – Kim McGuinness in the North East, and David Skaith in York & North Yorkshire. 
  2. Shipping containers at Port of Southampton captured by drone at sunrise

    Navigating trade-offs in the global economy: A framework for a world between orders

    The UK must navigate a new era of geopolitics, characterised by competition, conflict and instability. 
  3. A secondary school teacher talking with her sixth form students in class.

    A system that empowers: The future of professional development

    Our education system faces a significant and urgent challenge: ensuring equitable access to an excellent education in the context of acute budget pressures.