Question

Part I. Genetics and Epigenetics

Based on your readings, please explain how you think genetics and epigenetics affects:

us, as persons,

how we view and interact with others,

the kinds of perceptions and judgments we have about people, cultures, and populations,

how public policy, government benefits, corporate structure, and other systemic structures can be changed (if needed), and

how our own values can change or be modified to make room for a new understanding of epigenetics

Part II. Indigenous understanding of Genetics and Epigenetics

Studies in cultural psychology speak of "folk knowledge". Much of these are oral traditions passed down through multiple generations and carry the beliefs, stories, and wisdom of previous generations. One inherent understanding is that heritability that runs in families is not exclusive to the way we look but is extended to the way we act, think, and to how personalities develop. The environment in which we develop is also important to many cultures and traditions. The language used in indigenous psychology does not utilize scientific terms; they used their own terms to explain multi-generational and multi-dimensional inheritance (genetics and epigenetics).

Please describe how your culture explains heritability (genetics and epigenetics). You can incorporate customary practices, beliefs, rituals, myth, and academic studies.

Answer 1

Answer. Part I

The theories of genetic and epigenetic influence present that both nature and nurture combine to cause behavior, traits, and illnesses that heredity alone can't explain, ranging from sexual orientation to cancer. While the biomedical model highlights the role of genetic transmission from the parents to the offspring in determining the onset of illnesses, intellectual abilities, physical health etc. there is larger pool of evidence which asserts that genes can be turned on and off by experiences and environment. Dietary habits, exposure to technological advancements and mentally stimulating education system, the varying experiences of stress in socioeconomically backward communities, those living under challenging environments of war, malnutrition, natural calamities, etc may alter people’s physical and intellectual development as well as influence their emotional well being in genetically enduring ways. The toxins we're exposed to can all alter the genetic legacy we pass on to our children and even grandchildren. And in this way our genes are at the mercy of our health and lifestyle decisions and habits.