Allan V Horwitz1. 1. Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research and Department of Sociology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. avhorw@rci.rutgers.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This article examines how genetic and environmental interactions associated with health inequalities are constructed and framed in the presentation of scientific research. METHODS: It uses the example of a major article about depression in a longitudinal study of young adults that appeared in Science in 2003. RESULTS: This portrayal of findings related to health inequalities uses a genetic lens that privileges genetic influences and diminishes environmental ones. DISCUSSION: The emphasis on the genetic side of Gene x Environment interactions can serve to deflect attention away from the important impact of social inequalities on health.
OBJECTIVES: This article examines how genetic and environmental interactions associated with health inequalities are constructed and framed in the presentation of scientific research. METHODS: It uses the example of a major article about depression in a longitudinal study of young adults that appeared in Science in 2003. RESULTS: This portrayal of findings related to health inequalities uses a genetic lens that privileges genetic influences and diminishes environmental ones. DISCUSSION: The emphasis on the genetic side of Gene x Environment interactions can serve to deflect attention away from the important impact of social inequalities on health.