Critical Analysis of the risk theory PDF

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Risk has become a complex term with theorists attempting to characterise it. Sociologist Ulrich Beck proposes the risk society thesis whereby he describes risk as an objective hazard, which exists independently of other social and cultural actions which has occurred because of modernisation itself (Denney, 2005). Therefore, this essay will consider the risk society notion and how it is linked to terrorism.

Beck argues that in early modernity, risk was straightforward as it was calculable. However, due to changes in the nature of risk and institutional structures losing their value, new social relations have been formed. As a result, traditional capitalist societies no longer exist, instead it has become a post-traditional society (Denney, 2005). In post-traditional societies, risk calculation is not possible as risks are long term and aren’t localised to one area. Therefore, because of the modernisation that has occurred, societies become focused with minimising risks (Mythen and Walklate, 2006).

Beck also suggests that a gap has been created between quantifiable and unquantifiable risks. Thus, due to the vast changes in technology, risk production has increased which creates uncertainty among societies and it has created risk situations which are different to those of the past. Consequently, individuals in post-traditional society see risk as something to constantly think about in order to avoid it (Denney, 2005). Therefore, humans are required to reflect on the past and use this knowledge to influence their actions which is known as reflexive modernisation. This means unintended processes have occurred which required society to change by force as individual’s must be responsible for themselves. Thus, individuals reflect on social conditions in order to reduce the risks (Giddens, 1991).

Anthony Giddens has also made significant contributions, but he uses the term late modernity to describe the changes that have occurred. He argues we are faced with significant global problems, one being manufactured risks. This type of risk differs from traditional societies whereby it was predominantly natural hazards occurring such as floods, famine and earthquakes. Whereas now, manufactured risks are risks created by human activity as a result of changes in technology and science (Giddens, 1991)

Furthermore, in the past, societies would trust fate and destiny. However, these beliefs have been replaced as risks have become uncertain as a result of society changing at a fast pace. Therefore, people choose to listen to experts in order to receive guidance (Giddens, 1991). For example, the Prime Minister said all major countries around the world are facing the same threat, therefore, we need to be attentive. This supports Gidden’s argument as individuals lack the necessary knowledge and there is no alternative, thus, society choose to listen to experts instead (Mythen and Walklate, 2006).

Since the attacks on September 11th, a new risk has emerged which individual’s feel they are required to be wary about – terrorism. This is an example of a manufactured risk that has been created by society itself. Equally, Beck argues that the new terrorist threat is an element of the age we live in and the new risks are formed and multiplied by the advances in technology. Subsequently, it produces effects that are irreversible, and it becomes an uncontrollable risk (Beck, 2002). For example, the role of social media and the news has played a part in actively producing the risk in a globalised society. It has allowed terrorist ideas to expand to wider society and spread its message while increasing the fear within society. It offers them easy access to reach a large number of people, or even to target specific groups of individuals and interact with them while remaining anonymous. This is an advantage for them as they are able to share their ideology and reach people to recruit them while remaining undetected. However, the main aspect of this is that they are able to interact with their targets by using technology in turn spreading fear to audiences worldwide.

However, Soyinka contradicts this as he argues the media choose what to report depending on the location of these incidents. For example, a terror attacked occurred in Niger, yet it was not publicised. Whereas, the Lockerbie attack was given priority in the media as it occurred in the West. Consequently, those who are made aware of the attack via the media are more likely to have an increased fear (Soyinka, 2004).

Due to these technological advances, there has been a never-ending search for safety as technology has created a mass insecurity as society are unaware of when a terror attack will occur as risk calculation is not possible. As a result, terrorism becomes impossible to predict

when or where it will happen as it occurs worldwide. This results in individuals having to reflect on their actions, which becomes an aspect of our everyday lives and identity becomes a task. As Giddens argues, a pre-existing identity is no longer given to us which would normally be based on our gender, family or class (Giddens, 1991). Therefore, individuals consider the consequences that come with their actions. For example, choosing to stay home instead of going to Central London where the risk of a terror attack is perceived to be high.

When Labour came into power in 1997, it is clear that there has been an increased risk associated with terrorism as various changes were made to legislation. For example, the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 were introduced. More recently, Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill 2018 was introduced showing it is still a risk in present society. The purpose of these laws is to curtail the fear factor associated with terrorism, within society.

The risk society thesis is important as it enables us to think about the way risks have changed over the years. It shows that technology has created further disasters and if someone is liable for it, criminal law can help us on how to protect the environment. Contrary to this, it also shows us that technology, which is seen as the notion of progress, is not necessarily positive as it can possibly lead to irreparable damage. Even if it does not, it still causes a great deal of fear.

Although the risk society theory is able to explain the increase in risk avoidance measures in our daily lives, it does not necessarily mean that individuals are more susceptible to crime. It needs to be considered that some crimes are actually a high consequence but a low probability risk of actually occurring, for example, terrorism. Therefore, a distinction should be made between risk as a possibility and risk actually being harmful as this has not been looked at in the thesis (Mythen and Walklate, 2006).

Moreover, Beck fails to take into account that different groups of people in society do not all experience risk in the same way. There are different ways that people experience and explain risk. For example, a particular risk may affect one country at a specific time, whereas,

another country may not be experiencing the same type of risk. Thus, it can affect different parts of the world at different times. Consequently, Beck has been criticised for oversimplifying the concept of risk as it is not a shared experience (Denney, 2005)

To conclude, the risk society thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of the changing attitudes to risk from a post-modern perspective. It offers a useful way to understand how societies perception of risk has changed and how society now cope with the new emerging risks. Despite this, the risk society ignores the role of subjective experiences suggesting it is deterministic and fatalistic. Therefore, it should be approached with caution as it is unable to explain all areas.

References Beck, U. (2002) 'The Terrorist Threat: World Risk Society Revisited', Theory, Culture & Society, 19(4), pp. 39-55.

Denney, D. (2005) Risk and Society. United Kingdom: Sage Publications Ltd.

Giddens, A. (1991) Modernity and self-identity : self and society in the late modern age. Cambridge: Cambridge : Polity.

Mythen, G. and Walklate, S. (2006) 'Criminology and Terrorism', The British Journal of Criminology, 46(3), pp. 379-398. Soyinka, W. (2004), Reith Lecture 1: The Changing Mask of Fear, available online at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2004/lectures.shtml. Word count: 1274...