Anthropology of Food

The GMO debate: Is something missing?

I have been a rather lazy blogger but I have decided to turn over a new leaf. In the future, I would like to use my blog as a way to share my research and teaching experiences. I would also like to open up a wider dialogue beyond the university for issues that come up in class and in the field.

Next week, my students in Anth 422 Modes of Subsistence will be preparing a debate for and against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food systems. Over the past year, I have worked  hard to try to understand the potentially negative and positive impact of GMOs on the world food supply. For me it is important that my students also understand both sides and come to their own conclusions.

While looking for readings on this topic, I noticed that there is a lack of pro-GMO literature in the Social Sciences (particularly in Anthropology). I would like to put a call out there for other thoughts and perspectives on this issue. Are there some critical articles and books that I have overlooked? Are there others who have noticed this entirely anti-GMO stance on the part of my colleagues? What does this say about the relationship between the ‘Hard’ Sciences and the Social Sciences? How can a useful dialogue be created across disciplines on this issue? If you have suggested readings that take positions on either side of the GMO debate, please send them along.