Communities of Fate; Readings in the Social Organization of Risk

Risk is always present; only the probabilities of risk vary. Communities of Fate offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the social origins and organization of risk. By emphasizing the social aspects of risk and illustrating the range of circumstances in which risk is not only socially defined but socially created, the author helps demonstrate the extent to which reducing risk is not a technical problem, but, within Habermas' framework, a practical one. In short, how do we encourage all people, including those predisposed to technical solutions, to appreciate the extent to which risk is socially constructed and, thus, to join the socio-political struggle to reduce it where that is possible? Contents: Introduction; Theoretical Frameworks-The Classical Statements; Theoretical Frameworks-The Contemporary Statements; Empirical Case Studies of Risk; Policy Implications.