Understanding Human Diversity

Understanding Life

by Jonathan Marks

No two people are the same, and no two groups of people are the same. But what kinds of differences are there, and what do they mean? What does our DNA say about race, gender, equality, or ancestry? Drawing on the latest discoveries in anthropology and human genetics, Understanding Human Diversity looks at scientific realities and pseudoscientific myths about the patterns of diversity in our species, challenging common misconceptions about genetics, race, and evolution and their role in shaping human life today. By examining nine counterexamples drawn from popular scientific ideas, that is to say, examinations of what we are not, this book leads the reader to an appreciation of what we are. We are hybrids with often inseparable natural and cultural aspects, formed of natural and cultural histories, and evolved from remote ape and recent human ancestors. This book is a must for anyone curious about human genetics, human evolution, and human diversity.

188 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very much a broad introduction/current state of play for the science of human diversity, especially with reference to modern genetics. With headings titled around myths, it is Marks clear purpose to debunk emerging racist and sexist ideas or overly simplistic conclusions about humans all being fundumentally the same. Instead, Marks lays out the reality of current science, one that indicates much greater individual diversity than could be imagined among humans, but also a diversity that defies racial categorisation, and one in which is pretty much impossible still to separate cultural, social, environmental and genetic factors into single 'causes' of behaviour or even phenotypes. There are books which delve much deeper into each of the topics covered here, but as a quick hit volume to get across the topic (or to gift someone susceptible to one of the myths) it is pretty good. Or would be if it was affordable.