Can Genes Explain Social Inequality?

The Same Dream, Different Paths

Both want a fairer world. But Daphne Martschenko and Sam Trejo couldn't disagree more on how to get there. At the heart of their debate: Can social genomics—research into genetic contributions to everything from mental illness to educational achievement to political beliefs—actually help solve social problems?

Martschenko's case is stark: "Genetic research has almost always been weaponized to justify existing inequalities." Trejo counters with pragmatism: "This research is happening whether we like it or not. We might as well try to steer it toward good."

When Science Becomes a Weapon

History offers sobering lessons. Early 20th-century eugenics dressed up racism and forced sterilization as "scientific truth." Today, genetic findings are still cherry-picked to explain away educational gaps or justify hiring biases.

But Trejo sees missed opportunities everywhere. Mental health research that identifies genetic risk factors could lead to earlier interventions. Understanding genetic predispositions might help tailor treatments that actually work. "We can't unsee what we've already learned," he argues.

The Information Paradox

Here's the uncomfortable truth: genetic testing is already a $15 billion industry. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA have collected data from over 26 million people. The research is happening in corporate labs, university departments, and government facilities worldwide.

Martschenko worries about the downstream effects. When genetic research suggests certain groups have "natural advantages" in specific areas, it can quickly morph into policy decisions about resource allocation. Why invest in improving schools if some kids are just "genetically disadvantaged" at learning?

The Regulation Dilemma

Governments are scrambling to keep up. The EU's GDPR includes genetic data protections, but enforcement is patchy. In the US, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prevents health insurers from using genetic data—but life insurance is fair game.

Meanwhile, countries like China are racing ahead with population-scale genetic studies, operating under different ethical frameworks entirely. This creates a global patchwork where genetic research flourishes in some regions while facing restrictions in others.

Beyond the Binary

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Martschenko and Trejo's collaboration is their recognition that this isn't really an either/or question. Their book, "What We Inherit," suggests a third way: rigorous research coupled with equally rigorous ethical oversight.

The key insight? The problem isn't genetic research itself—it's how society chooses to interpret and apply the findings. A genetic predisposition to depression could justify discrimination or inform personalized therapy. The same data, two completely different outcomes.