Constructing Public Images of New Genetics and Gene Technology: The Media Discourse on the Estonian Human Genome Project

摘要: 1. Introduction The perceptions and attitudes people hold towards science technologies at large are often characterised by a certain ambivalence in which optimism about prospective outcomes of scientific research technological advances is mingled with scepticism anxieties misuse knowledge long-term implications progress (Felt 2000). Recent developments genetics biotechnology, the most outstanding far-reaching has been perhaps sequencing structure human genome, have likewise evoked great expectations respect to application gene technology medical domain, as well critical reflection ethical concerns impacts that new may on individuals society whole. Provided neither directly involved nor particular knowledge, information its applications seen reach broader public mainly mediated form. Here one key agents mass media provide various kind technologies. However, far from being channel merely mediates news public, perform rather arena where versions social reality, including those technology, constructed different groups institutions, all competing for legitimacy, authority trust. As such, contemporary appears crucial site exploring range images meanings mechanisms these produced, sustained transformed (Petersen 2001:1256). Although influence people's views cannot be one-directional or uniform, interpretations, representations arguments proposed inevitably come frame shape reception issue phenomenon. Hence, analysis discourse supposed form an inseparable aspect into opinions held biotechnology (Gutteling et al. 2002, Condit 2001, Petersen 2001). current paper examines construction using example Estonian Genome Project (EGP). Being few countries such large-scale population based genome bank planned, Estonia serves interesting case investigating representation genetic research. Since EGP founded principle voluntary participation, left choice whether they willing donate their blood sample national not, become relevance, evoking questions credibility scientists, particularly working field biotechnology. Furthermore, possibility decode codified samples link them individuals, like right granted donors know personal data, make individual choices risks benefits, privacy responsibility, especially sensitive context. recent survey 2002 reveals, while conceives project whole positive frame, associating it advantages medical, terms, tend much more sceptical hesitant when asked participation (Korts 2004). Considering media, printed press, appear primary source EGP, ways issues treated domestic benefits apparently impact how comes perceive evaluate potentials technology. …