Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins - by Shoumita Dasgupta

About the Book

"Well-meaning physicians, parents, and even scientists today often spread misinformation about what biology can and can't tell us about our bodies, minds, and identities. In this accessible, myth-busting book, geneticist Shoumita Dasgupta draws on the latest science to correct common misconceptions about how much of our social identities are actually based in genetics. Dasgupta weaves together history, current affairs, and cutting-edge science to break down how genetic concepts are misused and how we can approach scientific evidence in a socially responsible way. With a unifying and intersectional approach disentangling biology from bigotry, the book moves beyond race and gender to incorporate categories like sexual orientation, disability, and class. Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins is an invaluable, empowering resource for biologists, geneticists, science educators, and anyone working against bias in their community"--

Book Synopsis

A geneticist and internationally recognized anti-racism educator provides a powerful, science-based rebuttal to common fallacies about human difference.

Well-meaning physicians, parents, and even scientists today often spread misinformation about what biology can and can't tell us about our bodies, minds, and identities. In this accessible, myth-busting book, geneticist Shoumita Dasgupta draws on the latest science to correct common misconceptions about how much of our social identities are actually based in genetics.

Dasgupta weaves together history, current affairs, and cutting-edge science to break down how genetic concepts are misused and how we can approach scientific evidence in a socially responsible way. With a unifying and intersectional approach disentangling biology from bigotry, the book moves beyond race and gender to incorporate categories like sexual orientation, disability, and class. Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins is an invaluable, empowering resource for biologists, geneticists, science educators, and anyone working against bias in their community.

From the Back Cover

"A wonderfully accessible overview of just how easily bias can creep into science, together with solid, practical advice on how to challenge it. A valuable resource for researchers, physicians, and policymakers."--Angela Saini, author of Superior: The Return of Race Science

"Shoumita Dasgupta presents a clear, comprehensive call for genomic researchers and health care providers to learn more about and do better at mitigating bias in medicine. We are responsible for ensuring that rapidly evolving genomic technologies and therapies are equitably accessible to all."--Michelle Takemoto, Founder and Executive Director, Alliance for Genomic Justice

"A thought-provoking, essential read for those in health care, research, scientific education, and policy. Dasgupta provides a solid foundation to reflect on the roots of our harmful biases in labeling humans, laying a hopeful path forward towards anti-racism, equity, and inclusivity."--Robin Bennett, Director of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the University of Washington and author of The Practical Guide to the Genetic Family History

"Dasgupta challenges the flawed logic of race-based medicine, making the obvious clear--that race is not written in our DNA. She masterfully uncovers how systemic biases disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities' health outcomes, calling geneticists like myself to rethink how we present and frame research we conduct. Her work pushes us to take a deeper look at our assumptions, urging a renewed commitment to equity and responsible genetics research."--Janina Jeff, population geneticist and creator and host of the award-winning podcast In Those Genes

Review Quotes

"The book is a timely contribution to ongoing debates surrounding genetics and identity. In an era where genetic discourse is increasingly shaping public perceptions of identity, Dasgupta emphasises a crucial reminder that biology is never neutral."-- "LSE Review of Books"

About the Author

Shoumita Dasgupta is the daughter of Bengali immigrants, a woman of color in STEM, and a scientist educator and geneticist. She is Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion at Boston University, a Fulbright Specialist, and a member of the inaugural cohort of faculty affiliates at the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research.