Risk

In a world where risk is constantly debated, misinformation and disinformation spread quickly, and governments and institutions avoid taking decisive action, understanding how people, social groups, and social organizations understand, respond to, and act on threats, hazards, and dangers is more important than ever. Deborah Lupton's book Risk provides an essential introduction to the analysis of risk in social and cultural theory, outlining the three major approaches: cultural/symbolic, risk society, and governmentality. Three other chapters examine the relationship between risk and selfhood, Otherness, and the pleasures of voluntary risk-taking. An entirely new chapter focuses on the risks posed by misinformation and denial in the context of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In a world where the existence of risk is hotly debated, misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly through online media, and governments and institutions hesitate to take decisive action even when there is widespread agreement that a serious threat exists, understanding how individuals, social groups, and social organizations perceive, respond to, and act upon threats, hazards, and dangers has become increasingly crucial. In her book Risk, Deborah Lupton emphasizes the ongoing significance of analyzing risk in our era of permacrisis and growing skepticism towards experts and scientific knowledge. The book explores the three primary approaches to risk in social and cultural theory, dedicating a chapter to each. The first approach draws upon the work of Mary Douglas to articulate the cultural/symbolic perspective on risk. The second approach is rooted in the risk society perspective, influenced by the writings of Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens. The third approach builds upon Michel Foucault's work, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding risk. Additionally, three other chapters delve into the intricate relationship between concepts of risk and concepts of selfhood and the body, the notion of Otherness and its impact on how people respond to and think about risk, and the pleasures of voluntary risk-taking, including discussions of edgework. In this revised edition, a new chapter has been added to address the risks posed by misinformation and denial in the context of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. This chapter delves into the politics of post-truth cultures and the powerful networks of actors and organizations that work together to challenge science and manufacture disinformation. By examining these critical topics, Risk provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of risk in contemporary society and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities we face in navigating a world filled with uncertainty and danger.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032327006
Edition number: 3 ed