Constructions savantes et légitimation des politiques européennes

Abstract

En France, scientific networks have managed to get a monopoly on vine and wine know-how by pushing for nationalized control over authorized wine-making techniques. In 1998, the French government made the most of their assessments to counter the European Commissiona's efforts to encroach on that sector. Meanwhile, international scientific networks based on new kinds of expertise were formed at about the same time. Some French scientists got involved and, in those networks, found arguments to challenge the established academic hierarchy. They emphasized the rise of the †œnew consumerâ€? , whose tastes would bring about a change in existing oenological practices. In order to gain control over policymaking in this sector, the Commission appropriated their findings. This concatenation of knowledge transfers shows how scientists are involved in legitimizing European policies.