Attitudes of Lithuanian society to genetically modified organisms: analysis of public opinion and mass media

Abstract

The authors explore public attitudes towards genetically modified organisms (GMO) and GMO representation in the Lithuanian media. Thes paper is based on the results of an empirical research conducted in the framework of the RINOVA project (Risk Perceptions, Public Communication and Innovative Governance in Knowledge Society) funded by the Lithuanian Science and Studies Foundation. The research methodology
is based on a representative public opinion survey and content analysis of Lithuanian newspapers carried out in 2008. The article takes its starting point in the investigation of GMO discourse construction in public and in the media. The second part of the article discusses the types of social actors that produce and shape the GMO discourse in Lithuania. The final part of the article presents results of a public opinion survey (how Lithuanian population perceives GMO and GM food) and explores the framing of GMO representation in the Lithuanian mass media.