Genetics, Mass Media, and Identity: A Case Study of the Genetic Research on the Lemba and Bene Israel by Tudor Parfitt, Hardcover, 9780415374743 | Buy online at The Nile
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Genetics, Mass Media, and Identity: A Case Study of the Genetic Research on the Lemba and Bene Israel

A Case Study of the Genetic Research on the Lemba

Author: Tudor Parfitt and Yulia Egorova  

This interdisciplinary volume is the first to explore the effect of genetic research on the Lemba Judaising community of southern Africa and the wider phenomenon of 'Israelite' identity.

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Summary

This interdisciplinary volume is the first to explore the effect of genetic research on the Lemba Judaising community of southern Africa and the wider phenomenon of 'Israelite' identity.

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Description

This is the first book to explore the effect of genetic research on the Lemba Judaising community of Southern Africa and the phenomenon of Israelite identity.

The science of genetics as relayed by the media is perceived by laymen as being irreproachably objective 'hard science': its disinterested 'scientific' findings appear immensely impressive and may therefore act as a powerful catalyst for change. In this case, an oral tradition cherished by many of the Lemba that they are of Jewish origin appears to be supported by recent DNA testing, which has deeply affected the narrative and religious identity of the group and the way the tribe is perceived in the Western world.

International in appeal, this topical text brings together cutting-edge research on the social, cultural and ethical implications of genetics and the study of Judaising movements across the world. This book will be of interest to researchers and students of Jewish history, genetic anthropology, race and ethnicity studies, and religious and cultural studies.

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About the Author

SOAS, Univeristy of London Cardiff University, UK

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Back Cover

This is the first book to explore the effect of genetic research on the Lemba Judaising community of Southern Africa and the phenomenon of Israelite identity. The science of genetics as relayed by the media is perceived by laymen as being irreproachably objective 'hard science': its disinterested 'scientific' findings appear immensely impressive and may therefore act as a powerful catalyst for change. In this case, an oral tradition cherished by many of the Lemba that they are of Jewish origin appears to be supported by recent DNA testing, which has deeply affected the narrative and religious identity of the group and the way the tribe is perceived in the Western world. International in appeal, this topical text brings together cutting-edge research on the social, cultural and ethical implications of genetics and the study of Judaising movements across the world. This book will be of interest to researchers and students of Jewish history, genetic anthropology, race and ethnicity studies, and religious and cultural studies.

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More on this Book

This book isof very few studies on the influence of genetic tests on the narrative of groups, a topic which is becoming increasingly important with growth of the number of DNA tests conducted among indigenous populations. A contribution to the wider field of the social, cultural and ethical implications of genetics, an area which has acquired particular topicality in the last decade with the advances in genetics (Human Genome Project, Human Genome Diversity Project) and the spread of various genetic screening programmes. First book length work on the Lemba, on Judaizing movements and the phenomenon of "Israelite" identity. Wide international appeal, as it deals with phenomena which are to be found in different parts of the world (Judaizing movements, population-based genetic screening). Interdisciplinary of interest to scholars of Jewish History, contemporary issues in the study of religions, and social and ethical aspects of genetics.

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Product Details

Publisher
Routledge
Published
31st July 2006
Edition
1st
Pages
150
ISBN
9780415374743

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