“If We're Happy to Eat It, Why Wouldn't We Be Happy to Give It to Our Children?” Articulating the Complexities Underlying Women's Ethical Views on Genetically Modified Food

Women are typically seen as gatekeepers in the acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods because they perform the majority of food related activities in the home. At the same time, it has been reported that they are more opposed to GM foods than men are. We conducted a qualitative study to explore women's attitudes to and values associated with GM foods and situated those attitudes and values in the context of everyday food choices. In this paper, we illustrate that attitudes toward GM foods, ethical food choices, and risk arise from the complex and simultaneous interactions of women's activities as professionals, carers, and the providers of “good food.”