GENDER, RISK, AND SCIENTIFIC PROCEDURALISM

In this article, I consider the implications of gender differences for determining acceptable risk. Although often unacknowledged, values ar e ineradicable from risk identification, estimation, and acceptability . Because empirical studies, including some conducted by McMaster Univ ersity's Eco-Research group, show significant gender differences in ri sk assessment, democratic decisions about acceptable risk must reflect the values of females as well as males. I argue that Kristin Shrader- Frechette's model of scientific proceduralism, modified to incorporate findings about gender differences, can contribute to fairness in deci sion-making about risk. Furthermore, because females are more environm entally concerned than are males, especially at local levels, ecosyste m health would be well-served by decentralizing environmental decision -making and ensuring gender representation.