Vortrag auf der 8th Conference of the European Sociological Association: Conflict, Citizenship and Civil Society, Glasgow, 03. - 06.09.2007
Abstract
Scientific research and technological development in the field of nanotechnologies raise a variety of complex social and ethical issues. Empirical social research into public perception of and public attitudes to nanotechnologies is still in its very early stage. Exploratory qualitative and quantitative studies show that the interest of the general public in and the knowledge about nanotechnologies is rather low and that there is a strong association between public perceptions of nanotechnologies and other technologies. But these studies also provide some evidence that there are some areas of particular public concern such as health effects of nanoparticles, nanotechnology in food or some biomedical applications of nanotechnology. Against the background of recent experiences governments and administrations are searching for innovative forms of social debate and dialogue. These include new forms of providing information to the public, participatory approaches like focus groups or citizens` juries and stakeholder dialogues. The author, who has participated in a number of these exercises will provide an overview of these methods and discuss expectations, advantages and shortcomings. In this context, examples from Germany, Switzerland, the UK and the European level will be introduced. The author will also present results from her own recent empirical work on public attitudes of various societal groups on nanotechnology regarding safety, risk and regulation of nanotechnologies.