Student: Julia Benford
Graduation date: May 2017
Capstone type: Non-thesis
Capstone project:
The Role of the Risk Society in Eco-Labeled Food Purchases
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Using Ulrich Beck's theory of the risk society as a framework, this project questions the extent to which perceptions of manufactured risk in the food system affect consumer purchases of eco-labeled (specifically organic and non-GMO) food. To answer this question, I use two methodologies: surveys of consumers and content analysis of food packaging. My findings indicate that perceptions of manufactured risk are a strong influence on certain consumers' decisions to purchase eco-labeled food, but among consumers who are more likely to purchase conventionally-produced food, there is skepticism about the existence of risk. Additionally, food packages (even eco-labeled ones) almost never contain narratives of risk, instead relying on outside information that leads consumers to believe organic/non-GMO foods are safer.