Genealogenetic biography: A proposed transdisciplinary concept and methodology

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of genealogenetic biography as a transdisciplinary approach to augment the epistemology of both family history narratives and historical scholarship. This approach promotes an admixture between traditional genealogy and ancestral genetics; genetic genealogy and biographical writing; social sciences methodology and natural sciences technology; and academic research and societal collaboration. The objective of the genealogenetic biography is to create new knowledge by unearthing the complexity of the concealed lives of ordinary individuals and families over time. The research workflow of genealogenetic biography begins with discipline-based study that proceeds towards incorporating interdisciplinary study. It gradually becomes transdisciplinary – from traditional pedigree reconstruction to ancestral genetic analysis and database triangulation. This progression extends to the investigation of multidisciplinary contexts, culminating in the integration of both micro- and macro-historical evidence. The article also presents an appraisal of the consequences for traditional and genetic genealogy as a recognised field of study. Envisaged applications of genealogenetic biography in history, education and transdisciplinary research are also given. The article concludes by drawing attention to future directions.
Transdisciplinary contribution: The proposed genealogenetic biography is a novel kind of critical family history writing that integrates traditional genealogy, ancestral genetics, multidisciplinary contexts and micro- and macro-history to unearth hidden human experiences over time. New knowledge is created through the collaboration of scholarly and non-academic grassroots societal members.