2009 Articles

NATURAL SELECTION, THE HUMAN GENOME AND THE IDEA OF RACE

Pollack, Robert

In "Natural Selection, the Human Genome and the Idea of Race," Robert Pollack critiques the concept of race from a genetic perspective, arguing that race is not a scientifically valid category but rather a social construct with no basis in human biology. Pollack explains that while genetic diversity exists within the human species, it does not align with traditional racial classifications. He emphasizes that the differences in our DNA are minimal and do not justify racial distinctions. Pollack calls for a rejection of race as a biological concept and encourages a focus on the common humanity that unites all people.