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Mapping Weak Signals

Inspired by: workshops/meetings » DNA Testing and Social Engineering on the rise

version: 8 / updated: 2011-02-04
id: #1607 / version id: #1040
mode: VIEW

Originally submitted by: Anthony Walker
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Last changed by: Anthony Walker
WI-WE status:
submitted unpublished

Source of inspiration

Workshops/Meetings

iKnow workshop country name

United Kingdom

Workshop date

February 2010

The source of the Weak Signal is

UK Workshop - Nanotechnology Group

Signal's headline

(max. 9 words)
DNA Testing and Social Engineering on the rise

Signal's description

(approx. 150 words)
Please describe the Weak Signal (approx. 150 words)
Technological advancements have seen that DNA can be accurately tested (for example to prove paternity). As this technology becomes more integrated into society, will people start to pick partners and friends by their DNA? Will employers only employ workers with the 'right DNA'? There is a risk that a social underclass may be created as 'DNA-snobs' fail to recognise none perfect DNA specimens.

Keywords

Social engineering, DNA, Nanotechnology, technological advancement, society

Mini-description

(max. 250 characters)
Technological advancements have seen that DNA can be accurately tested (for example to prove paternity). As this technology becomes more integrated into society, will people start to pick partners and friends by their DNA?

Signal's first apperance

before 2000

Signal's potential evolution

It could lead to...
issue type of issue/development potential impact on society timeframe for the issue to become at least 50% probable
#1 The creation of a social underclass of people who are not genetically valid. If nothing is done to prevent this then it is very likely that this weak signal will start to evolve. new/emerging
 		very harmful
 		now-2050
#2 Not only the selection of an ‘ideal’ partner or employee but enhancing the quest for the perfect child. re-emerging
 		harmful
 		now-2050
#3 Social classed continue to divide without the ‘perfect’ dna being discarded and treated as 2nd class citizens. Discrimination increases drastically. continuation
 		mainly harmful
 		now-2050
#4 Potential to create a society without disability. Limited genetic diversification could lead to global pandemic as tolerance to disease is drastically reduced. discontinuation
 		harmful
 		now-2050

Under what assumption the Weak Signal might evolve.

If nothing is done to prevent this then it is very likely that this weak signal will start to evolve

Importance

please specify
please select
Level 4: important for the whole world This could result in a class society across the whole world

Filters preventing the signal's monitoring

information/communicational filters (media/editorial interests, language, reasoning)
scientific filters (knowledge/technology access)

Key driving forces of this signal

Please use these boxes to provide up to 2 drivers of HIGH importance. Click on HELP to see examples:
Driver 1 Driver 2
Social People would want to pick a partner with whom they would have the best chance of having "superior children"
Economic Industry would see the opportunity for profit in this technologgy

Major risks & opportunities associated to the signal

Please choose the most appropriate timeframe option(s) to which you would like to provide inputs.
Risks Opportunities
between 2025-2050 Rick of creating an underclass who are unable to find partners, friends, or employment due to their genetic makeup There is the opportunity for couples lear if they are at risk of having a child with a genetic disorder

Potential stakeholders' actions

short-term actions
(now-2015) 		longer-term
(after 2015)
Policy actors (at the international, European and national levels) Ensure there is sufficient legislation to prevent emloyers from using DNA tests as part of a recruitment process
Business actors (incl. SMEs) Abide by the letter and spirit of the laws against discrimination in the workplace

Signal's relevance for European Grand Challenges

where? please justify:
particularly relevant Europe world
Social cohesion and diversity Creation of a social underclass

Signal's relevance for thematic research areas

please justify:
particularly relevant
Social Sciences and Humanities creation of a social underclass

Pan-European strategies influencing the signal

please justify:
particularly relevant
Developing and funding world-class research infrastructures

Research-friendly strategies potentially improving understanding of the signal

For further information about 'research-friendly strategies' click here
please justify:
particularly relevant
Creating a closer link between researchers & policy-makers
(e.g. supporting both thematic and cross-cutting policies, highlighting the strategic purpose of the European Research Area, etc. 		Researchers working together with policymakers to ensure that that the technology cannot be abused through appropriate legislation

Signal's relevance for future R&D and STI policies

Note: RTD = research and technology development; STI = science, technology and innovation
Creation of a social underclass. Researchers working together with policymakers to ensure that that the technology cannot be abused through appropriate legislation.