The subject and power. Human genetics as an order of the self

Since 1945, genetic advising and diagnostics have moved away from paternalistic intervention strategies and evolved non-directive, customer-oriented services founded in communications theory. At the same time, various subject concepts have been developed, through discussion within the field, that are closely tied to the institutional development phases and scientific history of human genetics. The postulate of individual self-determination, which has been a primary focus of genetic advising concepts since the mid-1980s, has not done away with the field's basic eugenic-preventive orientation, however. Instead, this basic orientation has been adapted to the premises of individualized modern life. Human genetics can now be seen as the dispositive of a normalizing disciplinary power that uses special procedures - "testing" and "confession" - to encourage the development of the autonomous, open subject.