Living in a Risk Society

Description

For good practical and theoretical reasons, risk and uncertainty have emerged as central themes in social science. More flexible labour markets, greater freedom to divorce, cohabit and re-partner and growing diversity in lifestyles erode the certainty with which people can map out their futures. Step-changes in the complexity and scale of technological innovation including societal digitisation and artificial intelligence enable rapid rise in living standards, and, at the same time, bring the possibility of major catastrophes closer. Unexpected disasters such as the 9/11 terror attack, the Fukushima nuclear disaster as well as climate change related disasters and crisis evidence the limits of our capacity to control the future. This subject will give an overview of interdisciplinary and sociological approaches to risk and provides a better understanding of the reasons why we are concerned about risk and how we can deal with risks and uncertainty as a society as well as individually. It will show the limits of positivist understandings of risk and will explore the involvement of values, power, knowledge, and emotions in the social management of risk and uncertainty. Teaching Period: 2 March 2026 to 31 May 2026 Assessment Information: Description Timing Percentage An interpretive exercise 500 words During the teaching period 12.5% A literature review 1500 words During the teaching period 37.5% An essay 2000 words During the examination period 50% Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching period N/A Hurdle requirement: 2. Assessment hurdle requirement: All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Throughout the semester N/A Additional details Late penalty requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval.