The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality

There seems to be an odd dynamic within popular understandings of genetics research: one side believes in equal outcomes, and cognitive ability has minimal genetic population variation ("Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not."), so any claims about variation are suspect; and the other side waves genetic studies that show clear variation.

What's the deal? Are progressives ignoring real and important science? Kathryn Paige Harden, a genetics scientist, raises the progressive case for embracing genetic variation to create a more equal society. Just as the location and family you're born into impacts your success in life, the genetic rolls of the dice (even variation within the same family) have a massive impact on outcomes. By ignoring this science, fears about racism or classicism overtake real opportunity to improve the opportunity of marginalized groups.

It's a fascinating book that felt balanced and even-toned.