Extraordinary Risks, Ordinary Lives: Logics of Precariousness in Everyday Contexts

This book explores the relationship between expert risk classifications and the experiences of ordinary people, calling for more targeted ethnographic research to understand how grassroots risk dispositions and practices intersect with official discourses, individual agency, and community resilience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between expert classifications of risk and the real-life experiences of ordinary individuals who often face significant danger in diverse and extraordinary contexts. It explores the political, ethical, and moral dimensions of risk, urging for more focused ethnographic research aimed at unveiling how grassroots risk dispositions and practices intersect with official discourses, individual agency, and community resilience.

The book begins by examining the ways in which expert categorizations of risk can shape public perceptions and policy decisions, often obscuring the nuanced realities faced by ordinary individuals. It highlights the need for a more empathetic and inclusive approach that recognizes the diversity of experiences and perspectives within communities.

Through a series of case studies and ethnographic research, the book sheds light on the ways in which individuals navigate and cope with risk in their daily lives. It explores the strategies they employ to manage uncertainty, make sense of danger, and build resilience in the face of adversity. The authors argue that these grassroots risk dispositions and practices are often overlooked or marginalized by official discourses, which can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective responses to risk.

To address this gap, the book calls for more targeted ethnographic research that delves deeper into the lived experiences of ordinary people. It suggests that such research should be designed to reveal how grass-roots risk dispositions and practices intersect with official discourses, individual agency, and community resilience. By understanding these interconnections, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective strategies for risk management and community development.

The book also raises important ethical and moral considerations related to risk management. It explores the potential conflicts of interest between experts, policymakers, and communities, as well as the responsibilities of individuals and organizations in promoting safety and well-being. It encourages a reflexive approach to risk management that recognizes the power dynamics and social inequalities that shape risk experiences.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of risk management by challenging the dominant narratives of risk and highlighting the importance of grassroots perspectives and practices. It provides a rich understanding of the complex relationship between expert categorizations of risk and the on-the-ground experiences of ordinary people, and calls for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to risk management that recognizes the diversity of experiences and perspectives within communities.

Weight: 465g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030839642
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022