DDT and the Dynamics of Risk Knowledge Production.docVIP

DDT and the Dynamics of Risk Knowledge Production Stefan B?schen Abstract: Until today, the sociological analysis of risky technologies has moved between the two poles of risk constructivism and risk objectivism. A historical analysis of the evolution of risk knowledge may help clarify the is- sue. I argue that risk hypotheses can acquire the status of a fact in the course of risk debates. In this way, they are equipped with a certain ‘robustness’ and become guidance for action. As a case in point, I analyse the evolution of risk knowledge resources in the debate on DDT. Keywords: sociology of risk research, case study on DDT, research programs. Introduction Chemistry is undoubtedly one of the most important sciences, with an enormous social significance. Many of its processes and products have impact on our everyday life. This can be demonstrated most clearly by the case of a single substance, DDT. The public image of DDT has changed dramatically. In the beginning, DDT was looked upon as a wonder chemical of World War II. Afterwards, it fell into disrepute, especially as it was considered as one of the causes of an imminent Silent Spring (Rachel Carson). Finally, in the early 1970s, the use of DDT was prohibited for most of its previous purposes such as in agriculture. Failure followed success very closely. It is intriguing to search for the point when the image of success was superseded by the image of failure. Therefore, I suggest a sociological perspective, which in the case 1 of DDT, but not limited to that, analyses the process of knowledge produc- tion and the establishment of risk perspectives. One of the roots of the sociological analysis of risks is the critique of an objectivist notion of risk (Krohn Krücken 1993). But until today, this branch of sociology has moved between the two poles of a social constructiv- ist and an objectivist notion of risk. Acknowledging this ten