Seminars

COLLOQUIUM Ramina Sotoudeh (Yale University).- Genetics and social science: emerging themes and opportunities for social scientists

Organize: Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics; UAB

Venue: Semipresencial

Time: 12:00 - 13:00

Presencial: Sala Àngels Torrents, CED

Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7905645674
Codi: 1984

 

Abstract – The cost of genotyping has fallen dramatically since the first human genome was sequenced in 2001. Large population surveys increasingly include genomic data alongside traditional demographic and social indicators. This presents new opportunities for social and population scientists to leverage genetics data to provide new perspectives on important questions in their respective fields. In this talk, I present some of my research that speaks to three key themes in social science genomics. First, I discuss my work that attempts to remove genetic confounding from social effects by controlling for genes. Next, I highlight how the fixed nature of genes at conception can help us identify and clarify social and demographic mechanisms, which are often obscured by the possibility of reverse causation. Finally, I present my research on gene-by-environment interactions and discuss what can be gained by exploring how genetic predispositions interact with the social environment to shape health outcomes.