Promise and risks genomics to prevent antisocial behavior
The promise and pitfalls of the genomics of antisocial behaviour for prevention: a comparative ethical analysis
Antisocial behavior and especially the young men that exhibit this kind of behavior are receiving a lot of attention in society nowadays. Public opinion favors a firm, punishment-based approach, but that appears insufficient to deal with the problem. Other forms of intervention, for example through education or social work, are also not as effective as hoped for. Therefore it may be useful to study the effectiveness of a combination of 'biology' and social work. If we for example are able to use genomics to identify, at an early stage, those boys that are likely to develop antisocial behavior, we could apply an individual approach aimed at prevention. This project focuses on the normative implications of genomics of antisocial behavior. The results will be used to enrich the societal debate on this issue and to formulate recommendations for the clinical practice.