Policy-making in Times of Conflict and Uncertainty. Jacquie Reilly and Jenny Kitzinger, Media Unit, Department of Sociology, Glasgow University, 61 Southpark Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LF, tel: 0141 330 6387, fax: 0141 330 4929, e-mail: gkca29@udcf.gla.ac.uk
This paper will examine the processes leading to policy formation
when conflict and uncertainty exist. Of particular interest here
are the debates around the risk of human transmission from BSE
(or 'mad cow' disease) and the implications of advances in genetic
science. In relation to these areas, we will analyse how potential
risks are defined, assessed and legislated on within the political
arena. In terms of the policy-making process it is important to
ask: What mobilises a policy-making response? What are considered
to be the key policy questions? How is policy made? How are guidelines
produced and by whom? What is the role of perceived public opinion
in deciding on legislation? These processes will be examined by
looking at the role of government institutions, and the part played
by 'experts', pressure groups, the media and the public in policy
formation.