Not in Our Genes : From the Ruling Class

Not in Our Genes (1984) by Lewontin, Rose, & Kamin offers a Marxist critique of biological determinism, arguing science is influenced by ideology (capitalism/New Right) to justify social inequality, not purely objective fact, focusing on IQ, sex, and mental health, advocating for holistic understanding and socialist change over reductionist genetics. ®<

Here's a chapter-by-chapter outline based on its themes: Part 1: The Rise of Determinism<


themes: Part 1: The Rise of Determinism • Chapters 1-3 (Introduction & History): Explore the historical emergence and political context of biological determinism (e.g., 1Q tests, sociobiology) and its role in justifying social hierarchies (class, race, gender).


• Chapters 4-7 (Case Studies): Apply this critique to specific areas, showing how science has been twisted to support existing power structures, examining IQ, sex differences, mental illness, and unrest through a deterministic lens. &

Part 2: Critiquing Reductionism

• Chapter 8 (Critique of Sociobiology): A direct attack on sociobiology (e.g., E.O. Wilson's ideas), arguing it's reductionist and ignores social factors.

• Chapter 9 (The Fallacy of Reductionism): Deconstructs the idea that complex human


Part 2: Critiquing Reductionism • Chapter 8 (Critique of Sociobiology): A direct attack on sociobiology (e.g., E.O. Wilson's ideas), arguing it's reductionist and ignores social factors. • Chapter 9 (The Fallacy of Reductionism): Deconstructs the idea that complex human behaviors can be reduced to simple biological causes, emphasizing the interaction of genes, environment, and society. o


Part 3: A Holistic Alternative • Chapter 10 (Conclusion & Socialist Solution): Proposes a holistic, dialectical approach to human sciences, linking scientific understanding to the political goal of creating a more equitable, socialist society, challenging the status quo. ®


Key Takeaways: • Biology vs. Society: Science is never value-free; biology and society constantly interact. Ask anything Q what is an outline of Not in Our Genes Key Takeaways: • Biology vs. Society: Science is never value-free; biology and society constantly interact. • Political Function of Science: Science often serves dominant ideologies (like capitalism) to maintain power. • Rejection of Genetic Determinism: Genes aren't destiny; human behavior is shaped by complex forces, not just DNA. • Call for Change: A critique of determinism is linked to a call for social justice and a socialist future. @ Book Review: Not in Our Genes - Anthrop 365 Jun 7, 2018 - Not in Our Genes explores the biopolitics of doing... anthropology365.com NOT IN OUR GENES BIOLOGY, IDEOLOCT, AND HUMAN NATURE N NC an R.C. LEWONTIN T CUSTEVEN