The New Genetics and the Public's Health

The rapid development of genetic science fuelled by the Human Genome Project and other related initiatives promises a new kind of public health practice. The technological achievements and genetic information now available have completely revolutionized the possibilities for medical practice and the treatment of illness as we have previously known it.New Genetics and the New Public Healthexplores the implications this new body of knowledge has for the public health arena. This insightful new contribution to the ongoing controversy on genetic sciences situates the debate in relation to health care, providing a stimulating critique of current research and practice.

Alan Petersen is Professor in Sociology of Health and Illness at the University of Plymouth Robin Bunton is Reader in Social Policy, University of Teesside