Political and Social Risk Amplification of GMOs

Abstract

Risk is not a simple phenomenon; contrary to the arguments of frustrated scientists who claim evidentiary support for the development and release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), opponents of these organisms claim that the risks associated with their release are unacceptable. Obviously, the evaluation of risk is often contentious and ambiguous, and yet the phenomenon of how people actually evaluate risk is not widely known among scientists. Hence, we present a review of the literature on risk that underscores its complexity. Scholars argue the merits of different types of risk assessment, but most agree that the process is far more complex than simple cost/benefit analyses. Indeed, the literature presents a plethora of theories, ranging from economic and actuarial assessment to psychological and social assessments. We agree with the social constructionist view, and argue that opponents of GMOs have amplified the socially derived feelings of risk that the various stakeholders and publics harbour towards GMOs. We likewise conclude that GMO opponents are amplifying the factors of control and unknown risk.