Glocalized Dioxin – Regulatory Science and Public Trust in a Double Risk Society

Abstract

This article probes into risk events that occurred in Taiwanese society between 2004 and 2005, including dioxin contamination in baby formula, ducks and duck eggs. It critically discusses the special risk governance structure, public risk perception and trust in newly industrializing countries. In particular, through discourse analysis, the author points out that historically, technocrats have shown authoritative attitudes when regulating different risk events. The author also analyzes how the delayed and hidden risk governance structure alters public perception and systematically destroys public trust in regulators' risk governance.