Understanding Race: Insights from Dalton Conley on Genetics and Society
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By Kevin Berger
Dalton Conley, a sociologist at Princeton University, draws from personal experience and academic research to challenge conventional views on race. Growing up in the Masaryk Towers housing project in New York during the 1970s, Conley, a white child of artist parents, navigated a predominantly Puerto Rican and African-American community. He describes this experience as akin to a social science experiment, revealing the societal advantages tied to his race.
His daily journey from a lower-income neighborhood to a wealthier area in Greenwich Village sparked his awareness of socioeconomic disparities. "I realized early on the extent of inequality and the lack of social mobility in the U.S.," he reflects.
Conley emphasizes that race, as commonly understood, lacks a biological basis. After obtaining a Ph.D. in sociology, he published a memoir, Honky, in 2000, and later earned a biology Ph.D. focusing on genomics. His book, The Genome Factor, co-authored with Jason Fletcher, explores the intersection of genetics and social mobility.
In a recent interview with Nautilus, Conley tackled controversial topics, including the recent podcast discussion between Sam Harris and Charles Murray, co-author of The Bell Curve, a book that controversially links race and intelligence. Conley argues that genomics dispels myths about race, intelligence, and success perpetuated by both political sides.
Why Do You Believe Race Lacks Scientific Merit?
Conley explains that the racial categories we use in the U.S. do not align with genetic differences. Concepts like the one-drop rule, which classifies individuals with any African ancestry as black, do not accurately reflect human genetic diversity.
Is There a Genetic Component to Race?
While genetic markers can indicate ancestral origins, such as Ashkenazi Jewish or African heritage, Conley asserts these markers do not support the social constructs of race. Genetic variations exist, but they do not validate societal divisions.
How Do You Define Race?
Conley characterizes race as a social identity imposed by society, unlike ethnicity, which individuals may choose. For instance, one can claim an Irish identity on St. Patrick's Day while maintaining multiple ethnic affiliations. Race, however, is socially determined, and society typically assigns individuals to a single racial category.
What Motivated You to Explore Genetics and Race?
Conley believes that understanding genetic patterns can enrich discussions about human migration and group differences. However, he cautions against misusing genetic data, particularly given the historical context of eugenics and the potential for pseudoscience.
What Critique Do You Have of The Bell Curve?
Conley criticizes The Bell Curve for lacking sufficient genetic evidence at the time of its publication. He argues that subsequent research shows genetics do have some impact on success but not to the extent claimed by the authors.
What Are Your Thoughts on Recent Claims About Intelligence and Genetics?
Conley acknowledges that genes do play a role in human behavior, including intelligence. However, he emphasizes that environmental factors significantly influence outcomes, particularly for individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
What Misunderstandings Exist About Genes and Race?
Conley points out that while genetic differences among populations exist, they do not justify claims of superiority or inferiority. He emphasizes that the sociopolitical implications of race cannot be separated from genetic discussions.
How Should We Approach the Interaction of Genes and Environment?
Conley stresses that genes and environmental factors are intertwined. An individual's genetic predispositions often shape their environment, which in turn influences their development.
What Insights Might We Gain About Genes and Intelligence by 2025?
Conley predicts improvements in polygenic scores predicting various traits, although understanding the mechanisms behind these genetic influences remains elusive.
What Do You Mean by "Pseudo-science Racism"?
Conley warns against the misuse of genetic data to support racial stereotypes. He advocates for rigorous scientific inquiry to challenge these misconceptions and promote a more nuanced understanding of race and genetics.
If Not a Scientist, What Would You Be?
Reflecting on his upbringing, Conley shares that he once aspired to be a horse handicapper, using statistical analysis to predict race outcomes, illustrating his lifelong interest in understanding complex systems.