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Regulating Contested Local Hazards: Is Constructive Dialogue Possible Among Participants in Community Risk Management?
Author(s) -
Halfacre Angela C.,
Matheny Albert R.,
Rosenbaum Walter A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
policy studies journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1541-0072
pISSN - 0190-292X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1541-0072.2000.tb02053.x
Subject(s) - distrust , constructive , focus group , perception , political science , public relations , common ground , process (computing) , focus (optics) , risk management , social psychology , business , psychology , law , marketing , computer science , operating system , physics , optics , finance , neuroscience
This article uses focus group data to explore the connection between scientific uncertainty about environmental risks and the emergence of distrust among local populations, regulators, and technical experts affected by those risks. With data from a nationwide study of issues associated with the cleanup of U.S. nuclear weapons facilities, the article uses “dialogue theory” and focus group data from three locations to identify the sources of miscommunication and distrust among these actors. The authors conclude that, despite problems with perception and communication among these groups, enough common ground exists to be optimistic about expanding participation for all affected groups in the policymaking process. In fact, expanded participation should diminish the distrust developed from previous regulatory regimes.