Social amplification of risk: a conceptual framework

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Risk Anal.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1988.tb01168.x· OSTI ID:6297481

Kasperson, R E; Renn, O; Slovic, P; Brown, H S; Emel, J; Goble, R; Kasperson, J X; Ratick, S

One of the most perplexing problems in risk analysis is why some relatively minor risks or risk events, as assessed by technical experts, often elicit strong public concerns and result in substantial impacts upon society and economy. This article sets forth a conceptual framework that seeks to link systematically the technical assessment of risk with psychological, sociological, and cultural perspectives of risk perception and risk-related behavior. The main thesis is that hazards interact with psychological, social, institutional, and cultural processes in ways that may amplify or attenuate public responses to the risk or risk event. A structural description of the social amplification of risk is now possible. Amplification occurs at two stages: in the transfer of information about the risk, and in the response mechanisms of society. Signals about risk are processed by individual and social amplification stations, including the scientist who communicates the risk assessment, the news media, cultural groups, interpersonal networks, and others. Key steps of amplifications can be identified at each stage. The amplified risk leads to behavioral responses, which, in turn, result in secondary impacts. Models are presented that portray the elements and linkages in the proposed conceptual framework.

• Research Organization: Clark Univ., Worcester, MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6297481
• Journal Information: Risk Anal.; (United States), Vol. 8:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
HAZARDS
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
ATTITUDES
COMMUNICATIONS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
HUMAN POPULATIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
SOCIAL IMPACT
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS
THREE MILE ISLAND-2 REACTOR
ACCIDENTS
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
INFORMATION
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
POPULATIONS
POWER REACTORS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
290300* - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety
220900 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety