what is risk society
a stage of modern society where technological and industrial development produces new, human-made risks that are global, invisible, and difficult to control
what is industrial society
earlier modern societies where environmental hazards were seen as external, local, and calculable, meaning risks were often visible and manageable through science and industry.
difference between industrial and risk society
Industrial society focuses on producing wealth and managing visible hazards
Risk society focuses on managing the unintended risks created by modern industrial and technological development
what are manufactured risks
environmental and technological dangers created by humans
especially industrial production, science, and political decisions
4 characteristics of modern risks
global = cross borders (climate change)
invisible = require science to detect (radiation)
incalculable = too complex to predict
irreversible = long lasting or permanent effects
what is manufactured uncertainty
uncertainty that arises because modern science and politics try to control risks but end up creating new consequences
what is reflexive modernization
when society begins to critically reflect on the unintended consequences of industrialization, science, and modernization
what does social construction of risk mean
means risks are not just physical dangers
they must analyzed before acting upon
what is erosion of authority and trust
decline of confidence in experts, governments and institutions as risks become more visible
what is individualization of risk
the process where individuals are expected to manage environmental risks themselves rather than relying on collective protection from institutions
example: recycling
what is organized irresponsibility
a situation where risks are produced by complex systems but no single actor can be held accountable, creating a “nobody is responsible” dynamic
what is environmental racism
the systemic pattern where racialized communities are disproportionately exposed to pollution, toxic waste, and environmental hazards due to discriminatory policies and power inequalities
what are sacrifice zones
areas where environmental damage is concentrated and accepted
often affects Indigenous or marginalized communities
how is risk governed
managed through systems of governance that regulate behaviour and decision making
3 ways risk is managed
- legal mechanisms (permits and laws)
- regulatory mechanisms (enforcement and monitoring)
- informational mechanisms (reporting systems and data sharing)
