ABSTRACT
Most people find out about genetic disorders and testing only during pregnancy or after the birth of a child with a genetic disorder into their family. The Gene Shop endeavoured to attract people who were not in one of those crisis situations. The Gene Shop was funded by the European Commission as a demonstration activity "undertaken to transfer results from technology producers to technology users". A poster in the Gene Shop written by Dr Maurice Super, a clinical geneticist, summarized its aims: easily accessible public education; reduction of mystique and media hype; and to satisfy and encourage curiosity about genetics and the surrounding issues. The Gene Shop was in a good position to attract those other than the professional middle class, only 21% of passengers were social class A or B, and there were equal numbers of males and females because of the lack of business travellers who are over 80% male at Manchester airport.
