[Current thought on hereditary transmission and human genetics]

Abstract

On the basis of a review of the historiography on thought about hereditary transmission and human genetics in the 20th century in Britain, the United States, Germany, Russia, Sweden, and the Netherlands, a new research perspective is formulated. Concepts of heredity and their use in society have been various and diverse. Definitions of heredity and of the influence of 'nature' and 'nurture' in shaping genetic material have significantly changed. In the new research perspective the focus is directed to the role of a broad range of concepts of heredity in framing debates and practices around health, disease, and behaviour, including but not exclusively the concepts of Mendelian genetics, neo-Lamarckism', and concepts prevalent in eugenic movements. A research programme is outlined that is directed at specific problem fields in health care (e.g. alcoholism), and uses various sources to examine the historical dynamics in medical and public spheres.