THE CULTURAL PARADOX OF PREDICTIVE GENETIC TESTING FOR HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE
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The aim of this article is to perform a cultural analysis of the effects and implications of predictive genetic testing for individuals who have undergone predictive genetic testing for Huntington’s disease (HD). Moreover, the analysis aims to relate these effects and the implications of these tests to current initiatives that advocate a large-scale incorporation of genetics and genomics into mainstream health care. The abstract and elusive character of our genes is found to generate a liminal space wherein the affected individuals are situated between normality and abnormality. This juxtaposition of cultural classifications is in turn found to constitute a cultural paradox thatmight create disagreement in the relations between medical expertise and lay people as genetics and genomics is put to use within mainstream health care.