2003 – 2008
Funding: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)

This project investigates the relationship between the development of a new genetic test for a specific cardiovascular disorder and the construction of family and kinship ties.

According to one classic hypothesis, genetics entails the ‘re-making’ of families in the era of individualisation. Others, however, have pointed to the role of genetics in causing conflicts and struggles that can result in family breakdowns. This longitudinal study, in which six extended families were interviewed multiple times over several years, showed that families do a great deal of ‘work’ to minimise the impact of genetics in family life.

Research team: Klasien Horstman, Ine van Hoyweghen, Pieter Doevendans, Carlo Marcelis, Els Geelen (PhD).