The Political Dark Side of Genetic Editing: Shedding Light on Public Opinion of CRISPR/Cas9

Presenter

Nicholas Alexander Lannigan

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Leda Cooks, Department of Communication, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 3, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A34, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

With the new genetic editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, people might be able to have kids that don’t have to go through the struggles for perfection many Americans do today: they could be strong enough, good looking enough, smart enough if only we design them that way. This thesis investigates the possible political and ethical outcomes of different rollouts of CRISPR. The first section is a literature review examining current updates regarding CRISPR/Cas9 through both economic and developmental lenses. Using this information coupled with knowledge of political ideologies and their past implementations, the effects of different rollouts on the political environment of the United States is hypothesized. Specifically, political ideologies such as communism and oligarchy are looked at. The current social climate of the United States is discussed as well, with concepts such as “fads” and the influence of TikTok feeding into the possible outcomes. Finally, the general public are polled on their personal viewpoints regarding which of the potential rollouts are the best, and if they believe there should be restrictions regarding CRISPR/Cas9 instead. To do this, a random sample was collected via a Qualtrics survey, which polls willing individuals from around the world. The information collected from this study can be then used to guide how CRISPR/Cas9 is used, political measures we can take to avoid undesirable outcomes, and potential restrictions on the technology itself.

Keywords

CRISPR/Cas9, Communism, Oligarchy, Economy, Restrictions

Research Area

Political Science and Government

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