ISSN:
1573-7861
Keywords:
agriculture
;
capitalism
;
development
;
world economy
;
Third World
;
genetic engineering
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Sociology
Notes:
Abstract Frederick Buttel was one of the pioneers in studying the social impacts of biotechnology, claiming originally that it will involve profound changes in social structure. Recently Buttel turned around his argument proposing that, rather than revolutionary, biotechnology is more a “substitutionist” technological form to be applied to declining sectors of the economy than an “epoch-making” technology. This paper provides both external and internal critiques of Buttel's new position based on the concept of the “third technological revolution,” looking at the impact of new technologies as a global and interrelated phenomenon, and not on an individual case-by-case basis. The concluding section suggests the necessity of bringing into the analysis those living in the Third World: 60% of this population lives from agriculture and will be affected by the deployment of agricultural biotechnologies, whether through “substitutionism” or through totally new products.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01114476
