Abstract

Debates about the implications of conducting genetic research on ethno-racial groups have largely revolved around two opposing assumptions. This research is either viewed as problematic because it supports the idea that biological races exist which is considered to have been the root of racist actions and historical tragedies of times now past, or this research is viewed as medically progressive such that not including all ethno-racial groups as subjects of genetic research is regarded as discrimination. This thesis takes a different approach to exploring the relationship between ethno-racial groups and biomedical developments, such as genetics, through conducting a comparative case study of how one particular ethno-racial group, Jews, have negotiated their group identity and broader societal belonging in relation to biomedical developments. Focusing particularly on two contexts in which a liberal governance informed the negotiations of Jewish 'inclusion' in their broader societies, nineteenth and early twentieth century England, and twentieth century and contemporary America, the concept of biomedical citizenship is used to provide a critical analysis of the ways in which this negotiation of Jewish identity was and continues to be shaped by biomedical developments given the norms embedded in the 'healthy behaviours' these developments prescribe. This thesis, therefore, contributes to contemporary debates over the implications of conducting biomedical research on ethno-racial groups by demonstrating the significance of biomedical developments in shaping the 'inclusion' of these groups in liberal societies.