Policy belief systems and risky technologies: the Dutch debate on regulating LPG-related activities

Abstract

Much is known about technical issues of risk analysis and risk assessment. Much less is known about risk management strategies in use. Next to nothing is known about the ( mis ) match between risk management strategies and polit ical structures and cultures. In an attempt to illuminate cultural and political obstacles in public debates concerning risk management, we analyze the policy formation process in the Netherlands concerning the assessment and manage ment of risks related to Liquid Petrol Gas (LPG). This process resulted in a comprehensive national approach to norm-setting in regulating risky technol ogies. Using a combination of approaches to the developmental dynamics of policy debates, we trace technical issues in administrative strategies for risk assessment and management to fundamental differences between three policy belief systems dominating public discourse in capitalist welfare states.

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