The multiple discourses of science-society engagement

A meta-analysis of the changing science –society discourses that played out in New Zealand after the lifting of a moratorium on applications for the release of genetically modified organisms is provided in this article. It highlights the tension between the scientific focus on knowledge and societal values, beliefs and emotions and the need for a democratized discursive space for societal engagement with science. A key contribution of the article is identification of the role of altruistic discourses in societal considerations of controversial scientific innovations.