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Children's health and the social theory of risk: Insights from the British measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) controversy

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  • Casiday, Rachel Elizabeth

Abstract

Recent debates in the United Kingdom about the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and its alleged link with autism have centred on contested notions of risk. This paper presents findings from 87 parents' focus group and interview discussions of their decision-making about the vaccine in light of three streams of theoretical literature on risk (cultural theory, risk society, psychometric models of risk perception) and models of vaccination acceptance and resistance. In addition to the risks of infectious disease and autism, parents balanced other risk concerns--both biological and social--in making their decisions. Such decisions, made on behalf of children unable to choose for themselves, and in the midst of contradictory information and uncertainty, symbolised what it means to be a 'good parent'. To cope with uncertainty, parents sought explanations for why some children seem to be more vulnerable to adverse outcomes than others. Debates about children's risks may need special theoretical consideration beyond that offered by the current risk literature. Specific aspects of the MMR debate, namely, selecting between potentially competing risks, making risk judgements on behalf of dependent others, and tensions between private and public good, provide a platform for exploring how social theories of risk might be adapted for children's health controversies.

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  • Casiday, Rachel Elizabeth, 2007. "Children's health and the social theory of risk: Insights from the British measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) controversy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(5), pages 1059-1070, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:65:y:2007:i:5:p:1059-1070
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    4. P. Kriwy, 2012. "Similarity of parents and physicians in the decision to vaccinate children against measles, mumps and rubella," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 57(2), pages 333-340, April.
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    9. Skea, Zoë C. & Entwistle, Vikki A. & Watt, Ian & Russell, Elizabeth, 2008. "'Avoiding harm to others' considerations in relation to parental measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination discussions - An analysis of an online chat forum," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(9), pages 1382-1390, November.
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