Human Genes and Neoliberal Governance

Antoinette Rouvroy belongs to the growing community of `academic nomads’. The interdisciplinary tone of her work has oriented - and has been oriented by – her fellowships at the Center for Philosophy of Law at the Université catholique de Louvain, at the European University Institute in Florence, at the Science and Technology Studies Unit of the University of York, and at the Faculty of Law of Law of McGill University in Montreal. She is now assistant professor of Law and Language, and research fellow in information technology law at the University of Namur, in Belgium.

Introduction Part 1: The Production of Genetic Knowledge and the Rise of Genetics as New Perceptual Regime 1. The Production of Genetic Knowledge 2. Scientific and Economic Strength of Genetic Reductionism 3. Policy Implications: Discourses of Genetic Enlightenment as New Disciplinary Devices 4. Genetic Conceptualisations of ‘Normality’ and the Idea of Genetic Justice 5. Beyond Genetic Universality and Authenticity, the Lure of the ‘Genetic Underclass’ Part 2: The Socio-Economic Life of Genes - Genetic Risks and Insurance 6. Commonalties and Variations in Regulation of Genetic Information Flows 7. Previews of the Future as Background 8. Economic and Actuarial Perspectives on Genetics and Insurance 9. Practical and Normative Arguments Against ‘Genetic Exceptionalist’ Legislation 10. The Changing Social Role of Private Insurance: ‘Risk’ as a New Representational Regime. Conclusions. References