Paper short abstract:

This paper considers Qatari negotiations of the globalized genetics discourse and how intersections are influenced by local conceptions of the body, kinship and religion.

Paper long abstract:

The 2012 "Qatar National Research Strategy" mandates a 'dedicated research program focused on the understanding of the genetic causes of diseases and conditions in Qatar.' Considerable state funds have been channeled towards understanding the country's high rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and genetic disorders. Research, including the mapping of the genome, has been undertaken in order to understand Qatari genetic difference and its impact on health. Furthermore, the particularities of the Qatari context (genetic singularity of the Qatari population and high rates of consanguinity) have attracted global research initiatives. Despite the public dissemination of related knowledge the prevalence of certain diseases continues to rise. Similarly, despite public health campaigns aimed at reducing consanguinity, the practice is increasing. This paper explores Qatari negotiations of biomedical genetic knowledge, particularly in light of indigenous conceptions of the body, kinship systems and marriage practices. Islam and accompanying notions of fate impact the way biomedical knowledge is incorporated and/ or resisted. Benefits of close marriage were often seen to outweighed potential risks. Although familiar with the discourse of genetics, participants were ambivalent about genetic risk and pointed to other possible causes. Fetal environment was emphasized when making sense of the demise of a pregnancy or when a child is born with illness or disability. A woman's physical and emotional state during pregnancy took importance over other forms of explanation. The paper considers possible pathways of the "global" entering and being resisted by local conceptions of pregnancy, inheritance and kinship.