The Risk Society

This chapter compares and contrasts European and American perceptions of risk and risk regulation. We first lay out the theoretical basis of the “risk society,” or how risk and views about risk have changed with modernity and the advancement of technology. We then highlight the importance of framing, showing how the media and other actors shape the public’s views on risk. Finally, we break down empirical data on risk perceptions in Europe and America, comparing identical questions on surveys conducted on both sides of the Atlantic. These results highlight the role of culture and framing in shaping the public’s perceptions of risk in some surprising ways.