P2M Theory and Social Acceptance on High Level Radioactive Waste (HLW) Geological Disposal

The Analytical Case of the Deficit Model Communication

Abstract

Regarding the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan, there has been no widespread public debate. As no candidate site selection has progressed and it is long way to social acceptance. In order to overcome, technical one-way communication by experts is conducted under assumption of citizen’s lack of technical safety is a main cause. The approach is criticized as a ”Deficit model”, but because of its ambiguity, it is still debated today. There is not enough research accumulation on its significance and limitations. This paper applies the method of P2M theory to social acceptance of the geological disposal of HLW by analyzing the citizen’s attitude change by “Deficit model” communication case. And it shows the limit of the current dialogue project of the HLW geological disposal which is placing too much on the technical safety.