Discussion questions for "Comparative Perspectives and Competing Explanations" by Troy Duster:

What is Duster's criticism of research into genetic explanations for alcoholism among Native Americans, violence, and prostrate cancer and hypertension among African Americans?

Explain Duster's skepticism of DNA markers related to various characteristics such as race and behaviors such a crime.

How is the procedure know as "cleared by arrest" related to the belief that a small number of people commit a large number of crimes? How is this point related to DNA research?

How does the assumption that a few people commit a large proportion of crime lead to the focus on explanations inside the body?


Be prepared to discuss this article on Wednesday.