PMID: 11619512Oct 20, 2001Paper

Social worlds, actor-networks and controversy: the case of cholesterol, dietary fat and heart disease

Social Studies of Science
K Garrety

Abstract

Knowledge which links dietary fat and cholesterol to coronary heart disease (CHD) has been controversial for more than forty years. While policies advocating fat and cholesterol restriction are now deeply ingrained in affluent western societies, the scientific 'facts' on which they are supposedly based are highly contested. Applying concepts from actor-network theory and the symbolic interactionist social worlds approach, I argue that knowledge and dietary recommendations relating to cholesterol, fat and CHD are the outcome of complex social negotiations which can only be understood in their cultural, commercial and political contexts. Policies were framed in the 1960s before 'proof' of their efficacy was available. Since then, ambiguous experimental results have been shaped to support the policies. I argue that, despite its many attractive features, actor-network theory cannot adequately deal with protracted controversies. Social worlds theory provides a much more useful framework for investigating long debates in which the 'facts' remain elusive.

Citations

Nov 16, 2010·New Genetics and Society·Michelle L McGowanMarcie A Lambrix
Aug 2, 2011·Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences·Tiago Moreira, Paolo Palladino
Jul 4, 2006·Journal of the American Dietetic Association·Jose M Ordovas
Feb 21, 2009·Social Studies of Science·Jason A Delborne
Jul 28, 2011·History of the Human Sciences·Chris Hurl
Oct 8, 2005·Science, Technology & Human Values·Robert DalpeLouis Bedard
Jun 7, 2016·Social Studies of Science·Adam Isaiah Green
Sep 16, 2011·Food and Nutrition Bulletin·Purnima MenonTahmeed Ahmed
Jun 4, 2021·Sociology of Health & Illness·Fan-Tzu Tseng

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cardiovascular Diseases: Risk Factors

Cardiovascular disease is a significant health concern. Risk factors include hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and smoking. Women who are postmenopausal are at an increased risk of heart disease. Here is the latest research for risk factors of cardiovascular disease.