NCJ Number
116148
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 7-35
Date Published
1989
Length
29 pages
Annotation
Data concerning media coverage of the Union Carbide gas leak that occurred in Bhopal, India in December 1984 formed the basis of a cross-cultural analysis of perceptions of the incident.
Abstract
The study used a content analysis of three Indian periodicals and corresponding accounts in a matched sample of periodicals from the United States to test assumptions related to issues of consensus and conflict. Ideological, political, economic, proximity, seriousness, and cost-benefit factors were considered. Findings indicate little cross-cultural consensus concerning the definition of the Bhopal incident in India and the United States. However, consensus was found on other levels. For example, United States periodicals all seemed to portray the incident in a similar manner, while some variation existed among Indian periodicals. Cross-cultural definitional agreement existed between American and Indian business periodicals. Findings called into question the logic and assumptions contained in the consensus model. They also suggested that the interpretation of the costs and benefits of technological progress vary from one country to another and that a nation's economic reliance on technology affects this relationship. Tables, figures, notes, and 80 references. (Author abstract modified)