The Alchemy of Anti-reflexivity: The Countermovement to Undermine PFAS Science and Policy

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 17: Knowledge, Discourse, and the Environment

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of substances known as “forever chemicals” that are driving global ecological change and causing widespread human health impacts. Industry, lay, and regulatory scientific knowledge production have interacted in complex and contingent ways, and there is strong evidence of social movement and countermovement dynamics in this context. Indeed, the rapid growth of activism on PFAS has surprised many who have witnessed other toxics activism. In contrast, the misuse and abuse of science by key industry stakeholders have shaped public awareness and regulatory action on PFAS, as documented by journalists, scientists, social movement organizations, and policymakers. The PFAS case provides a timely opportunity to examine multi-scalar, multistakeholder social movement and countermovement dynamics that shape U.S. chemical policy. Currently, there is an erratic patchwork of state and federal laws defining and regulating PFAS, and a large variation in how states are communicating environmental health threats to the public. In light of some social movement successes, what organizations and industry groups have mobilized as a countermovement to oppose health-protective actions and to attempt to institutionalize industry-protective actions? How and why has this countermovement controlled, contested and attacked knowledge about PFAS? Our contribution extends research on countermovements, corporate activism, and anti-reflexivity by highlighting the contentious politics surrounding the PFAS problem.

Authors

• Michael Lengefeld, Northeastern University

• Alissa Cordner, Whitman College

• Phil Brown, Northeastern University