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Making Transgenes Visible: Knowledge Work in the Movement against Genetically Modified Corn in Mexico.

Authors :
Kinchy, Abby
Source :
Conference Papers - American Sociological Association; 2006 Annual Meeting, Montreal, p1, 19p
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

How do social movements mobilize people to protest such invisible threats as radiation, toxic pollution, or the effects of genetically modified plants? Do these movements depend on scientific expertise, or do they challenge traditional power relations between certified experts and laypeople? The controversy over genetically modified maize (corn) in Mexico and parallel movements in other parts of the world suggest that social movements work to make invisible threats into visible grievances through active involvement with science, on one hand attempting to set the scientific research agenda, on the other hand challenging the unique authority of experts. This paper, based ongoing field research in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico, offers a descriptive analysis of some of the strategies of the movement "in defense of Mexican maize" and explores their implications for sociological theories of social movements, science and the environment. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Conference Papers - American Sociological Association
Publication Type :
Conference
Accession number :
26642727