Public debates as failed social dramas: The recombinant DNA controversy

1 November 1984

journal article
other
Published by Taylor & Francis in Quarterly Journal of Speech

Vol. 70 (4) , 397-409
https://doi.org/10.1080/00335638409383706

Abstract

This essay exemplifies the usefulness of Victor Turner's concept of social drama in an analysis of the public debate over recombinant DNA research. The analysis encourages a consideration of the various debates about science and technology as possible reenactments of ideological conflict, reenactments which, to society's detriment, continually fail of satisfactory resolution.

Keywords

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