The use of selected community groups to elicit and understand the values underlying attitudes towards biotechnology.
Focus groups were used to examine the social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of biotechnology through an analysis of five selected community groups (total n = 68): scientists, Buddhists, business people, mothers with young children and the environmentally active. Participants from all groups were united in their perspective on three of the value spheres explored: health and welfare of family/society; maintaining/preserving the environment; and ethical considerations (e.g. welfare of animals, sanctity of life). However, values regarding science and business differentiated scientists and business people from the remaining community segments. Business people were more likely to adhere to "productionism," resulting in a greater acceptance of biotechnology, since business people did not hold the same resentment toward the business sphere held by other community segments. Scientists were far more accepting of the norms and values inherent in the sphere of science, believing science to be more predictable and controllable than general public perceptions. The disparity in worldviews for this value sphere meant scientists and laypeople did not communicate at the same level, in spite of having the same concerns for health and the environment. This resulted in feelings of frustration and powerlessness on the part of the layperson and the scientist.
Gamble
Joanna
J
Department of Consumer and Sensory Science, HortResearch, Auckland, New Zealand. jgamble@hortresearch.co.nz
Kassardjian
Elsa
E
D001709:Biotechnology; D002016:Buddhism / Q000523:psychology; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003469:Culture; D003625:Data Collection; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012938:Social Perception; D012945:Social Values