How does the French press handle a controversial biotechnology? A psychosocial study of media coverage of human genome editing

Abstract

The development of techniques for the modification of the human genome gives rise to heterogeneous communications and representations and is a relevant object for studying the dissemination of scientific innovations within society. Situated within the framework of social representations theory, our study aims to investigate the thematic dimensions of the public debate—as occurring in the French press—on the edition of human embryos. We conducted a lexicometric study of 343 French press articles with a hierarchical descending classification analysis and a correspondence analysis. Results indicate an evolution in the media treatment of human genome editing, from a popularization perspective to a focus on ethical and legislative aspects of genome editing. This study attempts to shed light on the structure and dynamics of information and meanings associated with human genome editing by analyzing the context in which communications surrounding genetic editing are situated and produced.