The Social Amplification and Attenuation of Risk
- 1 May 1996
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
- Vol. 545 (1) , 95-105
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716296545001010
Abstract
Risk is a complex phenomenon that involves both biophysical attributes and social dimensions. Existing assessment and management approaches often fail to consider risk in its full complexity and its social context. The concept of the social amplification and attenuation of risk provides an approach that recognizes that how social institutions and structures process a risk will shape greatly its effects upon society and the responses of management institutions and people. Examples of both amplification and attenuation are provided from recent risk experience.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Stigma Happens: Social Problems in the Siting of Nuclear Waste FacilitiesRisk Analysis, 1994
- The Social Amplification of Risk: A Conceptual FrameworkRisk Analysis, 1988