Gender, Risk, and Scientific Proceduralism

ABSTRACT

In this article, I consider the implications of gender differences for determining acceptable risk. Although often unacknowledged, values are ineradicable from risk identification, estimation, and acceptability. Because empirical studies, including some conducted by McMaster University’s Eco-Research group, show significant gender differences in risk assessment, democratic decisions about acceptable risk must reflect the values of females as well as males. I argue that Kristin Shrader-Frechette’s model of scientific proceduralism, modified to incorporate findings about gender differences, can contribute to fairness in decision-making about risk. Furthermore, because females are more environmentally concerned than are males, especially at local levels, ecosystem health would be well-served by decentralizing environmental decision-making and ensuring gender representation.