Genetics, mass media and identity : a case study of the genetic research on the Lemba and Bene-Israel.

Abstract

This book isof very few studies on the influence of genetic tests on the narrative of groups, a topic which is becoming increasingly important with growth of the number of DNA tests conducted among indigenous populations. A contribution to the wider field of the social, cultural and ethical implications of genetics, an area which has acquired particular topicality in the last decade with the advances in genetics (Human Genome Project, Human Genome Diversity Project) and the spread of various genetic screening programmes. First book length work on the Lemba, on Judaizing movements and the phenomenon of "Israelite" identity. Wide international appeal, as it deals with phenomena which are to be found in different parts of the world (Judaizing movements, population-based genetic screening). Interdisciplinary of interest to scholars of Jewish History, contemporary issues in the study of religions, and social and ethical aspects of genetics.