Mad cows, mad corn and mad communities: the role of socio-cultural factors in the perceived risk of genetically-modified food
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Date
2002
Authors
Finucane, Melissa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
The rapid globalization of the world economy has increased the need for a knowledge base of
reliable socio-cultural differences in perceptions, values and ways of thinking about new food
technologies. Awareness of socio-cultural differences is important because collaborative efforts
to deal with food hazards presuppose some understanding of where, how and why the viewpoints
of various stakeholders may differ. In the present paper factors that influence public perceptions
of genetically-modified (GM) food are discussed, with a special focus on the unique
circumstances of populations in the USA, Europe and developing countries. It is argued that
effective communication and decision making about the risk of GM food depends critically on
understanding how socio-cultural groups differ in their values and in the way they deal with the
risks and benefits of new technologies. The implications of psychological aspects of perceived risk
(including the roles of qualitative dimensions of risk, world views and trust) for public acceptance
of new food technologies are highlighted.
Description
7 pages
Keywords
Genetically-modified food, Culture, Risk perception, Psychology, Communities, Hazards
Citation
Finucane, M. L. (2002). Mad cows, mad corn and mad communities: The role of socio-cultural factors in the perceived risk of genetically-modified food. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 61, 31-37.