Risk Society

Risk society is a sociological theory of the German sociologist Ulrich Beck. According to him, on the one hand, modernization and development of science and technology brings many positives and simplifies life, on the other hand, it has negative effects on the environment and brings a wide range of risks.

Critical thinking perceives the risks and leads to disputing the achievements of today - to be skeptical of technology in general and against nuclear energy and other risk sectors of industry. This skepticism affects the mood in the market and of the consumers, and it needs to be reckoned with.

At the same time, however, Beck says that the risks of modern society are here with us and we must learn to live with them and try to reduce to a minimum level and actively use the tools of crisis management and risk management.

Risk society in practice: In particular, technology and energy companies must allow for critical thinking and skepticism of the public and its existing and potential customers. They should speak openly about both the risks and their activities undertaken to eliminate the risks (see risk management). The worst propaganda is to pretend as if nothing. Rather, it is necessary to actively communicate and work with public opinion. At the same time the public sector should actively work as a regulator and oversee risk reduction.