Social theories of risk

"The social science approach to risk has matured over the past two decades, with distinct paradigms developing in disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, psychology, and sociology. Social Theories of Risk traces the intellectual origins and histories of twelve of the established...

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Main Authors: Krimsky, Sheldon, Golding, Dominic
Institution:ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
Format: TEXT
Language:English
Published: Westport, Conn. 1992
Praeger
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19203247124910214299-Social-theories-of-risk.htm
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author Krimsky, Sheldon
Golding, Dominic
author_facet Krimsky, Sheldon
Golding, Dominic
collection Library items
description "The social science approach to risk has matured over the past two decades, with distinct paradigms developing in disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, psychology, and sociology. Social Theories of Risk traces the intellectual origins and histories of twelve of the established and emerging paradigms from the perspective of their principal proponents. Each contributor examines the underlying assumptions of his or her paradigm, the foundational issue it seeks to address, and likely future directions of research. Taken together, these essays illustrate that the principal achievement of social sciences has been to broaden the debate about risk beyond the narrow, technical considerations of engineers and the physical and life sciences. The authors conclude that expert knowledge is not value-free, that public perceptions of and attitudes toward risks vary according to a wide range of social, psychological, and cultural variables, and that public opposition to particular risks cannot be assuaged by technical fixes. The essays reveal the circuitous paths that lead people to the study of risk, highlight how these paths have crossed and discuss some of the seminal influences on individuals and the field in general. Social Theories of Risk presents a broad, retrospective view of the state of the theory in the social sciences, written by many who have been on the cutting edge of risk research since its early days. The book includes both established and novel perspectives that address the theoretical foundations of the field and reflect what we know about risk as a psychological, social, and cultural phenomenon. The collection of papers not only informs us of the tributary ideas that spawned the social studies of risk, but also how the field has matured. The biographical flavor of the essays provides fascinating reading for established members of the field, and a valuable entree for newcomers. It is an ideal college text for courses in the history of science, environmental policy, and science, technology, and society, as well as the burgeoning array of more specialized courses in risk assessment and management. "
format TEXT
id 19203247124910214299_a2238e223d724355b7e3c3f6dc880ad6
institution ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
is_hierarchy_id 19203247124910214299_a2238e223d724355b7e3c3f6dc880ad6
is_hierarchy_title Social theories of risk
language English
physical 412 p.
Paper
publishDate 1992
publisher Westport, Conn.
Praeger
spellingShingle Krimsky, Sheldon
Golding, Dominic
risk assessment
sociology
theory
Social theories of risk
title Social theories of risk
topic risk assessment
sociology
theory
url https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19203247124910214299-Social-theories-of-risk.htm