Folder 9 - Public Attitudes to DNA Profiling and Databasing

The final folder in the collection provides readers with details of the few existing studies of public attitudes to forensic DNA profiling and databasing. Whilst assertions of public attitudes (and public confidence) in forensic DNA profiling and databasing are commonly found in the ethical, legal and social literature contained in earlier folders, empirical knowledge of such attitudes remain sparse. The publications included indicate what is known as well as how much work remains before we have robust information about this elusive and constantly shifting matter. Readers of this folder may also note that we have included papers which have described the attitudes of offenders to DNA profiling and databasing as a particular kind of ‘public’.

• Human Genetics Commission (2008) A Citizens Inquiry into the Forensic Use of DNA and the National DNA Database.
• Harvey and Salter (2012) Anticipatory Governance: Bioethical Expertise for Human/Animal Chimeras
• Wilson-Kovacs et al (2012) “A Faustian bargain?” Public voices on forensic DNA technologies and the National DNA Database
• Prainsack & Kreissl (2013) The Molecular Leviathan? Forensic DNA technologies in life-stories of male prisoners in Austria.
• Stephens et al (2013) Institutional Imaginaries of Publics in Stem Cell Banking: The Cases of the UK and Spain
• Zeigler and Utz (2015) About DNA databasing and investigative genetic analysis of externally visible characteristics: a public survey.
• Hochschild and Sen (2015) “Get Your Swabs Out of My Face!”: Americans’ Optimism and Pessimism about Scientific Innovation
• Machado and Silva (2015) Voluntary Participation in Forensic DNA Databases: Altruism, Resistance, and Stigma
• Machado and Silva (2015) Public participation in genetic databases: crossing the boundaries between biobanks and forensic DNA databases through the principle of solidarity
• Prainsack and Kitzberger (2015) DNA Behind Bars: Other Ways of Knowing Forensic DNA Technologies
• Hall (2016) Public Perception and Privacy Issues with DNA Regulations and Database in Alabama.
• Marks, Bowling & Keenan (2015) Automatic justice? Technology, Crime and Social Control

Articles in German language:

• Heinemann and Lemke (2012) Verdächtige Familien - DNA-Abstammungsgutachten in Einwanderungsverfahren.
• Prainsack (2012) Durch die Gene sehen? Wider die Biosozialität hinter Gittern.