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Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution Adam Burgess (University of Bath)

Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution By Adam Burgess (University of Bath)

Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution by Adam Burgess (University of Bath)


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Condition - Very Good
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Summary

This book is the first account of the health panic surrounding cellular phones that developed in the mid-1990s. The book looks at the creation of the 'story' and how and why it became prominent in some societies but not in others.

Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution Summary

Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution by Adam Burgess (University of Bath)

This is the first account of the health panic surrounding cellular phones that developed in the mid-1990s. Treating the issue as more 'social construction' than evident scientific problem, it tells the story of how this originally American anxiety diffused internationally, having an even bigger impact in countries such as Italy. Burgess highlights the contrasting reactions to the issue ranging from positive indifference in Finland to those such as the UK where precautionary measures were taken. These differences are located within the emergence of a precautionary culture driven by institutional insecurity that first appeared in the US and is now most evident in Europe. Anxieties about cell phone radiowaves are also situated historically in the very different reactions to technologies such as x-rays and in the more similar 'microwave suspicions' about television. In addition, Burgess outlines a history and sociology of what is, despite media-driven anxieties, a spectacularly successful device.

Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution Reviews

'Adam Burgess's fascinating and frequently polemical book highlights the perils of precautionary thinking.' The Lancet
'Burgess' book remains a salutary lesson in the social construction of fears, which will undoubtedly be used to inform similar episodes in the years ahead.' Spiked
'I found it thought-provoking and can strongly recommend it as a fascinating study of the interaction between science and society.' Tony Barker, consultant clinical scientist at Royal Hallamshire Hospital and chairman of the IEE's Policy Advisory Group on Biological Effects of Low-level Electromagnetic Fields
'... Burgess's study of mobile phones contains a general and worrying message of small or non-existent risk being emphasised to advance social policy and influence the direction of scientific research.' The British Medical Journal
'... Adam Burgess' important book is the first major work to examine the history and dynamics of the scare.' New Media and Society

Table of Contents

1. Introductory chapter: themes, influences; phones and risk; 2. The mobile 'revolution'; 3. Mobile discontents and the origins of microwave fears; 4. Radiating uncertainty; 5. Diffusing anxiety: international dissemination and national responses to mobile fears; 6. The culture of precaution; 7. Problems of precaution and responsibility.

Additional information

GOR006353975
9780521520829
0521520827
Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution by Adam Burgess (University of Bath)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
2003-08-18
312
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Cellular Phones, Public Fears, and a Culture of Precaution