Key Concepts

Overview

Risk gives a comprehensive yet easily accessible introduction to risk and uncertainty as they have been analysed in sociology and related social sciences. The book draws extensively on the wide array of contemporary social theories of risk and relates these to the many and diverse areas in contemporary society where risk plays an important role. It will be invaluable for both students and researchers interested in risk in relation to politics, the environment, health, media, science and technology and finance.

Written in a clear and accessible language, the book gives a balanced account of the many theoretical approaches taken to the diverse phenomenon of risk, using concrete examples to illustrate abstract points. It highlights some key themes such as uncertainty and individual responsibility, which emerge as common to different theories and fields of study. The book is perfectly suited as an introduction for new students in sociology, political science, anthropology, media studies and health studies.

About the Author

Jakob Arnoldi is Vice Dean and Director of Research at Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University.

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgments
• Chapter One: Introduction
• Chapter Two: The Possibility of Hume:
  A brief genealogy of the concept of risk
• Chapter Three: Theories about risk
• Chapter Four: Risk, technology and nature
• Chapter Five: Risk, knowledge and uncertainty
• Chapter Six: Risk and culture
• Chapter Seven: Risk and mass media
• Chapter Eight: Risky futures--pleasure and capitalism
• Chapter Nine: Risk, politics, and government
• Chapter Ten: Conclusion
• Bibliography

Endorsements

“This book, by one of the rising stars of sociology, demonstrates that without the sociology of risk it is impossible to understand the ambivalences and uncertainties of our time.”

—Ulrich Beck, University of Munich

“In the context of today’s global financial meltdown Jakob Arnoldi’s Risk is a must read. It is at the same time an introduction to risk and the most comprehensive account available. It addresses risk in war, global geo-politics, health, environment and general ‘living on the edge’. It comprises an original theory of knowledge in today’s risk societies. Arnoldi tells us knowledge is possible, but that this must remain uncertain knowledge.”

— Scott Lash, University of London

“A wide-ranging and thorough appraisal of the impacts and effects of risk in the social sciences and, more broadly, society at large. This timely and authoritative book melds together theoretical perspectives and contemporary risk issues in a progressive and enlightening way.”

—Gabe Mythen, University of Liverpool