GENETICS AND SOCIETY

New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 778, 18 June 1954, Page 12

GENETICS AND SOCIETY

THE FACTS OF LIFE, by C. O. Darlington; Allen and Unwin, English price 35/-. ‘[ HE first half of this important book is concerned with the history leading to the modern theories of genetics. It sets forth the necessary scientific background for what is to follow. The remainder is a study of man-man alone, and in society, and the relations of men and women. A theory of life, linked with recent discoveries in genetics, is expounded. This involves the author in a biological view of history. Out of the whole emerges a philosophy of determinism, largely based upon a denial of the plasticity of the individual person. For Darlington the adaptability of man depends on the variability of the species. The reader will find great store set on variation in determining selection; which leads, naturally, to an analysis of the mechanism of evolution. By corollary, the sterile heredity versus environment controversy is disposed of. Those interested in education or the law may need to reconsider some of the theories on which their studies are built.

Individual plasticity is revealed as an illusion, as indeed it must be if genetic research is to be trusted. Yet current education theory, still somewhat under the influence of Freud, and opinions on the punishment (or reform) of criminals, assume the contrary. Similarly it follows that great differences in capacities Or in social attitudes are determined by heredity. What one learns is not inherited, but the capacity to learn is. The effect is seen when the individual person is faced with a choice of environment. This disposes, at one blow, of Freud’s vitalism, the pressures of overambitious parents, and those who talk of "free will." Darlington’s analysis of sex differences should be carefully considered. These are so great that the sexes, even in what appears a common environment, lead separate lives. This is not to condemn coeducation. Each takes from, and gives to, the environment according to need and capacity. The author succinctly points out that all obstacles to relations between the sexes are encouragements to relations within the sexes. The section on crime is the weakest part of the book, not because of any lack of interest, but because Darlington here accepts and uses methods which elsewhere he condemns. In other places, too, there is sometimes a little straining to fit awkward observed data into the neat deterministic framework. There are a few other minor faults. His passing reference to the Kinsey Report is not

of the critical standard one would expect. His information about the Maoris is faulty. A glossary would be a help

to the lay reader.

J.D.

McD.