Cultural Politics and the Transatlantic Divide over GMOs

by Stephan, H.

"What accounts for the transatlantic divide over the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? Alongside political institutions and economic dynamics, cultural values and identities have played a critical role. Stephan contrasts widespread concerns over the 'unnaturalness' of GMOs in Europe with more utilitarian attitudes in the US. In Europe, food and agriculture and closely connected to positive images of 'nature', while Americans have often reserved such admiration for pristine 'wilderness'. By tracing the historical development of 'environmental identities' on both...