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Commonplaces and social uncertainty: negotiating public opinion

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  • Inger Lassen

Abstract

This article explores commonplaces in focus group discussions about genetically modified food. In the discussions, members of the general public interact with food biotechnology scientists while negotiating their attitudes towards genetic engineering. Their discussions offer an example of uncertainty discourse in which the use of commonplaces seems to be a central feature. My analyses support earlier findings that commonplaces serve important interactional purposes and that they are used for mitigating disagreement, for closing topics and for facilitating risk discourse. In addition, however, I argue that commonplaces are used to mitigate feelings of insecurity caused by uncertainty and to negotiate new codes of moral conduct.

Suggested Citation

  • Inger Lassen, 2008. "Commonplaces and social uncertainty: negotiating public opinion," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(8), pages 1025-1045, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:11:y:2008:i:8:p:1025-1045
    DOI: 10.1080/13669870802323379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Slovic & Melissa L. Finucane & Ellen Peters & Donald G. MacGregor, 2004. "Risk as Analysis and Risk as Feelings: Some Thoughts about Affect, Reason, Risk, and Rationality," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(2), pages 311-322, April.
    2. Greg Myers, 2007. "Commonplaces in Risk Talk: Face Threats and Forms of Interaction," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 285-305, April.
    3. G Myers & P Macnaghten, 1998. "Rhetorics of Environmental Sustainability: Commonplaces and Places," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 30(2), pages 333-353, February.
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