To live as mentally disabled in the risk society

Abstract

The contemporary society is to some extent characterized by longitudinal changes, towards individualization, uncertainty, and risk. Numerous risks and dangers in modern society have been mastered, while others have emerged, often created by human actions. The individual's freedom of choice has increased, but also the responsibility for the choices made. In this society, the risk society, there is a greater need for formative and situation-related knowledge to manage risks. The aims of this paper are to discuss the concept of risk society in the light of everyday experiences made by people with mental disabilities, how challenges can be mastered and positive possibilities can be utilized. Data collection was made through a multistage focus group, and the data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The results show that characteristics of the risk society are identified by people with mental disabilities. Change and uncertainty, obstacles created by societal institutions, lack of trust, and the need of adapted working conditions are frequently experienced, impersonal relations and feelings of loneliness as well. However, these conditions can be partly counteracted by belonging to an alternative fellowship, which might lead to quality of life-related personal improvements.