Anthony Giddens: Risk, Globalisation and Indigenous Public Health

Abstract

This chapter outlines Giddens’ theories of radical reflexive modernity, trust and risk. In illustrating Giddens’ arguments, we take a case study from our own research with Indigenous people in remote regions of South Australia and their reactions to safe water supplies and the impact this might have on their health. We demonstrate how Giddens’ theoretical insights provide an alternate account of Indigenous responses to modernity than is commonly accepted. We argue that Indigenous people are not dupes of tradition, but are reflexive individuals who engage critically in modernity, understand the nature of technology and science, including the risks to their health embedded in expert systems (Giddens and Pierson 1998). The chapter begins with an overview of Giddens’ life and work, followed by an exposition of his theories of modernity, risk and reflexivity. This is followed by a critique of his ideas offered by other social theorists. We then move to the case study to illuminate Giddens’ theoretical ideas. In the final section, we suggest Giddens’ approach challenges popular post-colonial interpretations.