The Conflict Theory Of The Food Crisis

“Should We Care About Genetically Modified Foods?” by John N. Shaw appeared in Food Safety News issue of February 1, 2010, as a feature under the health section on the controversy between the pros and cons of genetically modified foods (Also known as GMO, genetically modified organisms). The main idea of this article is to inform people of the benefits of GMOs . The author, John Shaw received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Marketing from the University of Arkansas in 2007, where he was a “leadership scholar.” In addition to his studies, he has worked as a research assistant with Food Law LL.M. Director Susan Schneider, interned with Wal-Mart Government and Corporate Affairs division, the Arkansas Attorney General Public Protection Division, and with United States Senator Blanche Lincoln. John has a passion for Food Law, sports, and outdoors. In the article, he states, “ I submit that I am no scientist; merely an interested student.” According to the article, he is passionate and has done sufficient research about the topic to support his argument.

In the essay “Genetically Modified Food: Watching What We Eat,” by Julie Cooper, she argues against the rampant use of genetically modified food (GMO) without any current form of regulation. Cooper discusses the possibility of health risks to those consuming foods with altered genes and the food’s capabilities to have far-reaching health risks. She continues with a discussion as to how and why the creation and use of the GMOs have become so unregulated. She then discusses the response, which is the public’s cry for their right to make informed choices. Other topics discusses are the political, environmental, and corporate ramifications of the rise of GMOs.

GM foods are in the middle of many controversial issues; primarily these are addressed by conflicts over the relative pros and cons of GM foods. Major biotech companies like ‘Monsanto ' and ‘Cargill ' are promoting GM foods by focusing only on their beneficial aspects, giving least importance to their negative effects on safety, environment and biodiversity. On the other hand, governmental regulators and nongovernmental organizations, along with some scientists, are strictly opposing this type of blind promotion of GM food by enlightening the people on their negative effects The controversies associated with GM foods include issues such as safety, environmental benefits and risks, biodiversity, and ethical and social considerations.GM foods are implicated for adverse human health risks like people being allergic to it, environmental hazards such as development of super weeds, and pesticide and antibiotic resistance in disease causing organisms. On the other

The conflict perspective, or conflict theory, derives from the ideas of Karl Marx, who believed society is a dynamic entity constantly undergoing change driven by class conflict. Conflict theorists generally see social change as abrupt, even revolutionary, rather than incremental (https://courses.lumenlearning.com).

Conflict perspective or conflict theory is one of the major sociological approaches to analyzing social problems. This perspective originated with Karl Marx, a famous philosopher, economist, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist, and whom many credit contributions to the birth of modern

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMO’s, are organisms that have had genes from a different organism implanted into their own genetic code in order to produce a new result (“Genetically engineered foods”). This practice has elicited polar responses across the globe, for a multitude of reasons. Besides the obvious reason, being the morality of changing an organism's DNA for human benefit, one frequently noted problem is the monopolization of GMO’s by the company Monsanto, whose name is nearly synonymous with GMO’s due to their involvement with these crops. Monsanto has been at the center of many controversies regarding GMO’s, and is even considered to be ranked third to last for reputation among all major American companies (Bennett). Most

Approximately eighty percent of food eaten in the United States contains GMOs, but not many people know what they are actually consuming from their food sources (Prah). Genetically modified organism, also known as genetically modified organisms engineered in a lab by scientists that alter the genes of plants and animals. By fixating DNA from other organisms into America’s food sources, they create substances that are detrimental to the health of human beings. In addition to this, these genetically modified organisms are completely foreign to the plants and animals they undergo; their genes can become damaged from inserting the genes of the organisms. This unnatural process can interfere with a metabolic pathway in the plant or animal. In addition, studies have shown that on average forty-four percent of people had the “Round-up Ready” herbicide, glyphosate, which is used on genetically modified crops, found in their bodies (Stonebrook). Both, the genetically modified organisms and the chemicals used on them, cause several problems to occur in humans and other organisms which consume GMOs. These include tumors, damaged immune systems, allergies, and infertility; this is dangerous to the health of humans and to their regular body processes. Americans have the right to know what is going into their bodies and how these man-made GMOs are affecting them. By the government

Sixty four countries around the world have banned the use of GMOs, otherwise known as Genetically Modified Organisms, within farms and supermarkets. However, the United States, a usually technologically advanced country, has yet to invest much time or effort into this endeavour, one that would make food healthier for people and protect the environment. The US government has taken a step back in this effort for healthier food options, as in the country, companies that use GMOs are not required to label their food as such. Some companies and businesses, however, are working to make a change in the case for GMOs in the US, by advocating minimized GMO usage, menu transparency, or the complete ban of the usage.

Genetically modified foods, known as GMFs, are an extremely controversial subject. By definition, GMO’s are, “organisms whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there.” Scientists genetically engineer these foods to, for example, contain an additional vitamin or weather withstanding qualities. Relatively recently, Kevin O’Leary, who was in favor of GMFs, and Rachel Parent, who was against them, had a televised debate on O’Leary’s talk show. While both sides proved valid points, O’Leary’s argument seemed the most convincing, with multiple data points and references. While genetically modified foods have many obvious benefits and drawbacks, the good seem to outweigh the bad on a global scale. GMFs can increase nutrition in third world countries, stop the world wide issue of waste, and even slow global warming and deforestation in our environment.

Lying in the middle of this conflict are perhaps the most essential parties, the U.S. Government and the American public. The government has not truly taken a stand on either side of this conflict as of yet. Their position can best be classified as optimistic supporters. Seeing as GM foods have not as of yet been subject to heavy administrational burdens, research and testing by several different agencies continues today. The lead agency in biotechnology testing is the Animal and Plant Health

The leaders of the United States of America need to recognize and take action on the concern of the public, regarding GMO food. People have a deep concern for GMO food. They have a right to be concerned about something that is potentially harmful to the population of the United States of America. They are concerned for the safety of GMO food. They are also concerned about the loss of money that can happen, when investing in GMO food. There are many concerns for GMO food. However, the only way to prove this statement, is to successfully refute the opposing viewpoints other people may have, regarding GMO food.

In almost all of the foods that the average person consumes there reside harmful ingredients and chemicals. Citizens and scientists alike have posed questions and concern about not only what a GMO is, but why the government refuses to pass GMO-labeling laws, while still claiming GMOs harmless characteristics. GMO-containing foods should be labeled to the fullest extent due to the fact that people have the right to know what they are consuming, regardless of what the government and big-box companies have to say about the chemicals and their prospective side effects. By not passing these laws, the government does citizens a huge (and unlawful) disfavor because of the controlled factors of what is labeled and what is consumed. The government

Some basic principals of conflict theory include thinking that individuals who are believed to be ranked higher then others obtain most of the benefits in society. The biggest part of conflict theory is who has the most power, those without power are oppressed by people with more power then them. Another, principal is the way society splits people up into different classes based on their power. This has a lot to do with inequality, different groups of people have different opportunities in life. Karl Marx split society into two many groups the Bourgeoisie and Proletariat. The Bourgeoisie consisted of those who were higher up in

I selected this topic because it is a growing concern of consumers. Some people argue that genetically modified foods do more good than harm but I like to think otherwise. I try my best to eat healthy. I do not eat at fast food restaurants, I rarely eat junk food and I try to avoid foods that contain GMOs at all costs. I also buy organic products when I can. Foods that are sold in America are banned in 30 + other countries. That is a scary fact! Sometimes you just don’t know if it contains GMOs or not. A law was passed recently in Vermont that states all foods must label if they contain GMOs or not. We have the right to know what we are eating and feeding our families. In my opinion, we should be able to choose what we eat. Companies pay billions of dollars to keep us in the dark because their main goal is to make money. I intend on learning why GMO foods are allowed and doing in depth research as to how it can be a good thing.

The conflict perspective provides the idea that, the basic form of social interaction is not cooperation but competition, and this leads to conflicts. As individuals and social groups compete for advantage, there is a constant conflict for change. When competing are large groups such as bourgeoisie and proletariat of Marx, the result is a drastic social change. This conflict can be