Reconsidering the Risk Society: Its Parameters and Repercussions Evaluated by a Statistical Model with Aspects of Different Social Sciences

Abstract

Risk society theory, with its complexity and inclusion of different ideas with respect to the peculiarity of risk in the modern era, the role played by the media in the construction and communication of risk as well as the nature of reflexivity, has had repercussions in various fields. Since multiple elements are to be analysed to reconsider the risk society theory in the current global landscape characterized by emerging threats, an integrated approach has been chosen in this study for a comprehensive evaluation. The majority of the studies conducted on the relevant subject matter lack quantitative analyses; therefore, this study aims at bridging a gap in this regard by elucidating the parameters and implications of the concepts related to the risk society based on the results obtained by quantitative and qualitative analyses. To this end, a survey (including demographic, sociological and psychological items) on risk and economic uncertainty was designed and conducted online. Secondly, content analysis was done on a set of news items focusing on global economy. The results of the survey evaluated with statistical analyses (ANOVA, t-test and correlation analysis) were used to relate the responses to different aspects and thematic qualities of the risk society theory postulated and developed by Ulrich Beck, Anthony Giddens and other social philosophers. The experimental results of the study revealed certain relationships between demographic characteristics and sociological-psychological elements of the risk society theory and its parameters in the individuals’ attitudes and perception. Correspondingly, repercussions of the risk society theory have been revealed in the news items handled. The majority of the results obtained support the key postulations of the risk society, which can shed light on understanding the significant transformation of our era along with the social attitudes, fears, insecurity and risk perception among individuals. In addition, the findings can lead to further interpretation of the interplay between economy, media, science and politics, opening up new perspectives toward reconsidering “contemporary” risks.