Main Features of Beck’s Risk Society Thesis and Its Contemporary Relevance (Essay Sample)

BECK’S RISK SOCIETY THESIS
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Introduction
Ulrich Beck’s Risk Society thesis proposes that modern communities are characterised by an increased focus on risk and uncertainty. He argued that the traditional methods of managing risk no longer applied. It is claimed that threats affecting society are global, social, and environmental in nature, rather than being confined to a single nation-state. As such, these risks could not be managed in the traditional ways that had been successful in the past. The thesis has been highly influential and remains relevant in contemporary society, particularly in regard to public debates surrounding the management of risk and the implications of modern technologies. This essay will outline the main features of Beck's Risk Society thesis and assess its relevance to contemporary society.
Features of Beck’s Risk Society Thesis
The Risk Society thesis, put forward by German sociologist Ulrich Beck in 1986, is an influential framework for understanding modern communities. According to Beck, the world has entered a new stage of history, characterised by the emergence of novel and global risks, which are the result of modern technology and complex social, economic, and political systems. He argued that the concept of risk has become an unavoidable part of life, as it is necessary to identify, evaluate, and manage the threats posed by different global, social, and environmental issues (Curran, 2016). Beck also argued that the dominance of risk has led to a shift in the production and distribution of power. He described this as a ‘risk-power nexus’, whereby those with the capability to manage risks can shape society based on their own interests. This has led to a situation where the risk of failure or harm is distributed unequally and those with the least power tend to bear the brunt of it. Thus, Beck argued that the emergence of risks has had major implications for power dynamics and the structure of modern societies (Leiss, 1994). He highlights that risk management is now an essential part of modern life and that it has a direct impact on the structure of contemporary societies. Finally, Beck suggests that individuals must take responsibility for their own safety and security, as well as for the risks posed by global and environmental issues.
Beck emphasises that the increased focus on risk was a result of rapid social change, which is a feature of his thesis. He suggests that