Title: Modifying perceptions: the UK public debate on Genetic Modification (GM)

Authors: Linda Hadfield

Addresses: Greengauge Consultancy, UK

Abstract: In 2002–2003, in response to public concerns, the UK Government conducted a public debate on Genetic Modification (GM) technology. The paper draws on discourse theory and appreciation theory to investigate differences in perspective expressed in public contributions to the debate. Through detailed qualitative analysis of a sample of contributions to the debate, the paper identifies a number of dimensions for the classification of multiple perceptions of a single issue. The paper contributes to a wider debate about how complex issues involving science, technology, the environment, and public health are constructed and contested in modern democratic societies.

Keywords: UK; United Kingdom; public debate; genetic modification; GM crops; discourse theory; appreciation theory; GMO; science; technology; environment; public health.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2005.053933

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2005 Vol.7 No.1, pp.56 - 66

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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