Interethnic variability and admixture in Latin America - social implications
Past and present attempts to classify and characterize the human biological variability are examined, considering the race concept, ethnic identification problems, assortative mating based on ethnicity, and historical genetics. In relation to the latter, a review is made of the methods presently available for admixture quantification and of previous studies aimed at the characterization of the parental continental contributions to Latin American populations, with emphasis in global evaluations of the Costa Rican and Brazilian gene pools. Finally, the question of racism and discrimination is considered, including the relation between human rights and affirmative actions. The right to equal opportunity should be strictly respected. Biological inequality has nothing to do with the ethical principle that someones position in a given society should be an accurate reflection of her/his individual ability. Rev. Biol. Trop. 52(3): 405-415. Epub 2004 Dic 15
Main Author: | |
---|---|
Format: | Digital revista |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Universidad de Costa Rica
2004
|
Online Access: | http://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-77442004000300003 |
Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
Summary: | Past and present attempts to classify and characterize the human biological variability are examined, considering the race concept, ethnic identification problems, assortative mating based on ethnicity, and historical genetics. In relation to the latter, a review is made of the methods presently available for admixture quantification and of previous studies aimed at the characterization of the parental continental contributions to Latin American populations, with emphasis in global evaluations of the Costa Rican and Brazilian gene pools. Finally, the question of racism and discrimination is considered, including the relation between human rights and affirmative actions. The right to equal opportunity should be strictly respected. Biological inequality has nothing to do with the ethical principle that someones position in a given society should be an accurate reflection of her/his individual ability. Rev. Biol. Trop. 52(3): 405-415. Epub 2004 Dic 15 |
---|