Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Sociology

Major Professor

Sherry Cable

Committee Members

Donald W. Hastings, Helen Lewis

Abstract

This study focuses on community based risk perceptions in an infamous community: Love Canal, New York. From the onset of the problems at Love Canal, residents were given different interpretations of the risks they faced. The problems at Love Canal were socially constructed. Competing definitions of disaster support the argument that although a physical problem exists, interest groups will compete over definitions to validate their claims of what the problem is and what actions should be taken. Competing frames then emerge to represent a version of reality most suitable to the groups' interests.

This study focuses on analysis of competing frames presented by the local media, community activists, the local corporations, and the state government. Residents were faced with competing interpretations of the problem on which to base their risk perceptions.

Methods include indepth examination of past Love Canal studies and analysis of documents. Document sources include the New York Times, Niagara Falls Public Library Local History Department holdings, public documents of the government agencies, Occidental/Hooker Chemical, the Love Canal Homeowners Association, and the Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency, and articles from the Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls's local newspaper.

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