Social Stratification, Living Conditions and the White Male Effect in Sweden

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates the impact of subjective job insecurity, past experience of crisis, and social exclusion on risk perceptions in Sweden. In particular, it explores the evidence of the so-called White Male Effect (WME). The paper builds on earlier research of the WME, which had shown that men or native (white) individuals were less concerned about personal and other risks than women and people of foreign background. Yet women and people of foreign background are frequently subject to discrimination and social and economic disadvantage. The present study hypothesises that subjective perceptions of objectively inequitable living conditions influence risk perception. More specifically, people who perceive their jobs to be insecure, who have experienced personal crises, or who feel socially excluded are more likely than others to feel personally threatened by a range of social, personal and environmental risks. Soziale Schichten, Lebensbedingungen und der ‘White Male Effect’ in Schweden Diese...