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Risk definition and the struggle for legitimation: a case study of Bt cotton in Andhra Pradesh, India

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  • E. Desmond

Abstract

This article explores the struggle for legitimation associated with the attempt to define the risk of Bt cotton, a genetically modified crop, in Andhra Pradesh, India. Beck asserts that, given the uncertainty associated with risk society, efforts to define risk are creating the need for a new political culture. This article argues that this political culture emerges from attempts to legitimate power within risk definition. This is examined using critical discourse analysis on interview excerpts with key figures in the Bt cotton debate. Legitimation is explored using the categories of legitimation developed by Van Leeuwen. These are (a) authorisation; (b) moral evaluation; (c) rationalisation; and (d) mythopoesis. The analysis highlights that the political culture which emerges in response to risk society is in a state of constant flux and contingent upon the ongoing struggle for legitimation with regard to the definition of risk.

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  • E. Desmond, 2017. "Risk definition and the struggle for legitimation: a case study of Bt cotton in Andhra Pradesh, India," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 135-150, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:20:y:2017:i:1:p:135-150
    DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2015.1042504
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    1. Sarthak Gaurav & Srijit Mishra, 2012. "To Bt or not to Bt? Risk and uncertainty considerations in technology assessment," Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai Working Papers 2012-001, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, India.
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