Abstract:

In this State of the Field essay, we introduce the central methods, concepts, and key terms in the field of sociogenomics and related genetic sciences. We then review high profile claims from this field that posit genetic theories of gender and sexuality, or that analyze gender and sexuality as variables in the characterization of brain, psychiatric, and medical conditions. Lastly, we characterize the conceptual, methodological, social, and ethical questions opened by this new frontier for an interdisciplinary audience, emphasizing the gap between the sociogenomic imaginary and what the data can and do currently show. Our goal is to build on existing critical perspectives by translating and contextualizing highly technical developments in the new era of genetics research, and to invite scholars to engage with the issues it raises. The article is co-first authored by Alex Borsa and Mia Miyagi. 

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