The Earthscan Reader on Risk / Edition 1

by Ragnar E. Lofstedt, Asa Boholm

Overview

This new anthology is a comprehensive introduction to the field of risk theory. The introduction provides the ideal starting point for students and professionals new to risk studies and offers a concise refresher for researchers and practitioners. Coverage includes the origins of the 'concept of risk' and its often misunderstood cousin 'uncertainty,' before moving on to address risk perception, risk communication, the idea of trust and post trust as well as risk in policy and regulation with a close look at the Precautionary Principle. Following the introduction, the volume includes a selection of the most significant and influential works on risk in their entirety. These selections, organized thematically to cover the breadth and depth of the field, provide greater detail and elaborate on the key themes and major developments in risk studies. Together they comprise the essential literature necessary for a full understanding of risk theory and practice on any issue and in any context.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781844076864
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/18/2008
Series:	Earthscan Reader Series
Edition description:	1
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Ragnar E. Löfstedt PhD is a Professor in Risk Management and the Director of the Centre for Risk Management, Department of Geography, School of Social Science and Public Policy, Kings College London. He is a renowned expert on risk communication and regulation issues. ‘sa Boholm is a professor of social anthropology at the School of Public Administration, Gothenburg University, Sweden.

Table of Contents

Part I: The Concept of Risk * The Policy Implications of Differing Concepts of Risk * A Philosophical Perspective on Risk * Uncertain Times * The Notion of 'Risk' and the Development of Modernity * Part II: Risk Perception * Gender, Race, and Perceived Risk* How Safe is Safe Enough? A Psychometric Study of Attitudes towards Technological Risks and Benefits * Risk as Feelings * Part III: Communication about Risk * Accounting for the Social Context of Risk Communication * Risk Communication and Management in the 21st Century * Part IV: Trust and Post-Trust * Exploring the Dimensionality of Trust in Risk Regulation * Salient Value Similarity, Social Trust, and Risk/Benefit Perception * Part V: Policy and Regulation * Risk-based Decision Analysis in Support of Precautionary Policies * Risk Regulation Under Pressure: Problem Solving or Blame Shifting? * The Precautionary Principle and its Policy Implications * Uncertainty and Environmental Learning:* Index

Editorial Reviews

The collection of papers selected for this volume provides an excellent and representative overview of risk research in philosophical, psychological and social perspectives. This reader combines, in a unique way, breadth,
substance and relevance.
ORTWIN RENN, Professor and Chair of Environmental Sociology, Stuttgart State University, Germany

L fstedt and Boholm show the complexity of risk decisions and the richness of risk research, with a collection ranging from seminal articles to current research. It will reward students, scholars, officials, and citizens trying to follow the action in risk controversies.
BARUCH FISCHHOFF, Howard Heinz University Professor, Carnegie Mellon University, and former President of the Society for Risk Analysis

'The Earthscan Reader on Risk is an excellent introduction for students, professionals, and even lay readers.'

'Especially recommended as a refresher text for researchers or practitioners in the field of risk management, as well as for college and university library collections'
The Midwest Book Review, 2009.

From the Publisher