Structure, Agency and Biotechnology: The Case of the Rothamsted GM Wheat Trials

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Quite often the GM controversy is construed as merely a debate of "science vs politics." In this book, Aristeidis Panagiotou argues against this simplistic reading and suggests that the GM debate should be embedded in the wider social, political, economic and cultural context. Towards this theoretically informed direction, a holistic framework and a set of concrete methodological guidelines are suggested which help the researcher to explore the deeper dynamics of the GM debate and the reader to acquire a richer understanding of the controversy. In the empirical part of the book, the author assesses the 2012 Rothamsted GM wheat trials and discusses the insights that the specific experiment can reveal about the broader problematic scenarios. Panagiotou suggests that the tension underlying GM technology should be resolved through sustained dialogue, public involvement and broad scientific consensus.

Reviews

This work is both a sophisticated theoretical synthesis and a finely worked case illuminating a topic of profound importance: genetic modification. Panagiotous labors bring much-needed clarity to this complex and contested world, moving us well beyond the simple binaries of truth and politics, science and publics. It is recommended to those with an interest in the environment, policy and governance, risk, science and technology, and social theory. Steve Matthewman, Associate Professor, Head of Sociology, University of Auckland, New Zealand

This is a fascinating account of the intricacies of one of the most important GMO episodes in the UK. Yet, the greatest achievement of this book lies in its combining a detailed case-study, arguably the hallmark of STS scholarship, with the willingness to engage with contemporary macrosociological theory. Eve Seguin, Professor, Department of Political Science & Programme of Postgraduate Studies in Science, Technology and Society, Universit du Qubec Montral, Canada

This is a masterful piece of holistic sociological theory framing the study of a GM controversy. Revisiting structuration theory, Panagiotou offers a very rich discussion of the particularities anchored across different locations. His book presents a critical understanding of science and technology using sociological concepts and methodological bracketing. Dominique Vinck, Full Professor, STS Lab, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Author Bio

Aristeidis Panagiotou is a researcher at the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), Greece.