Embodiment in Anthropological Epigenetics Research

Document Type

Article

Authors

Sana Saboowala, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignFollow
Meredith A. Wilson, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignFollow
Sahara Z. Vilchis, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignFollow
Mary P. Rogers-LaVanne, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignFollow

Abstract

This article reviews literature in human epigenetic research as a case study in order to examine and critique the dominant framework of embodiment as unidirectional or bidirectional and mechanistically driven. The authors identify three major critiques to this approach: (1) the treatment of epigenetic traits as a mechanism of embodiment, rather than as multidirectional components of a dynamic and ongoing embodiment process; (2) a tendency to view changing epigenetic traits as both the cause and the solution for embodied social inequalities rather than examining the need for systemic change; and (3) a loss of the complexity of varied lived experiences within epigenetic studies. The authors suggest weaving in humanistic frameworks and expanding toward a multidirectional definition of embodiment in the field as a way forward.

Recommended Citation

Saboowala, Sana; Wilson, Meredith A.; Vilchis, Sahara Z.; and Rogers-LaVanne, Mary P. (2023) "Embodiment in Anthropological Epigenetics Research," Human Biology: Vol. 95: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol95/iss1/2