The human genome enjoys considerable stature in
society, both in terms of potential health benefits
and in solving complex social problems. While respect
for genetic research is obvious, people are still
leery about some of the more controversial
techniques. The purpose of this research is to assess
the support for and the diffusion of three genetic
technologies: genetic testing, gene therapy and
cloning. Utilizing diffusion theory, I test the
impact of personal characteristics (gender, race,
education levels, political philosophy and
information resources) on support for the
technologies. However, we do not form opinions or
decide to support technologies devoid of the social
world we live in, so I include four social influences
as well: knowledge and awareness levels, access to
medical data, industry regulation and the social
importance people place on genetics. These social
influences strongly impact support for and the
potential diffusion of genetic technologies.
society, both in terms of potential health benefits
and in solving complex social problems. While respect
for genetic research is obvious, people are still
leery about some of the more controversial
techniques. The purpose of this research is to assess
the support for and the diffusion of three genetic
technologies: genetic testing, gene therapy and
cloning. Utilizing diffusion theory, I test the
impact of personal characteristics (gender, race,
education levels, political philosophy and
information resources) on support for the
technologies. However, we do not form opinions or
decide to support technologies devoid of the social
world we live in, so I include four social influences
as well: knowledge and awareness levels, access to
medical data, industry regulation and the social
importance people place on genetics. These social
influences strongly impact support for and the
potential diffusion of genetic technologies.