Making visible the less visible – how the use of an uncertainty-based risk perspective affects risk attenuation and risk amplification

Fjæran, Lisbet; Aven, Terje

doi:10.1080/13669877.2019.1687579

Cited by 13 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…In this endeavour, we acknowledge others who argue that: '[the SARF] analytical repertoire is insufficiently attuned to the heterogeneity and complexity of public concern' (Fellenor et al 2020), and build on the work of SARF critics Rayner (1988), Rip (1988) and Rosa (2003). We expressly train a critical eye on 'events' that feature prominently at a rhetorical and discursive level in much of the SARF literature, and develop a broader view of risk events, joining Fjaeran and Aven (2019) in challenging the chronological structure of the SARF and in arguing for continuously ongoing processes and cycles to be recognised.…”

Section: The Social Amplification Of Risk Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 87%

Amplification without the event: the rise of the flexitarian

Duckett

Lorenzo‐Arribas

Horgan

et al. 2020

Journal of Risk Research

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The social amplification of risk framework typically represents consequential effects associated with high levels of media attention proceeding from an initial risk event. This study considers selective meat-eating as risk-related social behaviour that is evidently not initiated by a single event yet, nevertheless, is demonstrably subject to extensive and broadbased media coverage. Recent reported trends indicate a rise in socalled 'flexitarianism' and reducetarianism' whereby people choose to restrict their consumption of meat in favour of a more plant-based diet. Through a content analysis of UK newspaper articles, we support claims from recent survey data that 'environmental concerns', 'animal welfare issues' and 'health considerations' are all strongly associated with decisions to eat less meat. Our study extends the explanatory scope of risk amplification by showing a more nuanced relationship between media coverage and risk-related behaviour in the case of selective meat-eating. Our findings have wider implications for risk communication and the role of the media in other contexts.

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Section: The Social Amplification Of Risk Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 87%

Amplification without the event: the rise of the flexitarian

Duckett

Lorenzo‐Arribas

Horgan

et al. 2020

Journal of Risk Research

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“…The short duration of media attention makes it possible for governance network actors to 'ignore' the media attention after a short period, and return to business as usual, without changing their risk governance processes. This is an example of 'doing-nothing' in risk governance (Fjaeran andAven 2019, Poumad ere andMays 2003). Also Versluis et al (2010) state that attenuation of risk in society may diminish risk preparedness, and that signals for the long run may be neglected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The social amplification risk framework (SARF) provides a broad conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic character of societal risk responses (Kasperson et al 1988). Risk amplification entails both processes which intensify and weaken risk attitudes and responses in society (Kasperson et al 1988;Rip 1988;Fjaeran and Aven 2019). In the first stage of SARF, risk events, situations, or objects may emerge and obtain signal value, meaning that an issue becomes more or less perceived and attributed as a risk for society.…”

Section: Risk Governance and The Social Amplification Of Riskmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They can also be weakened, a process called attenuation. Attenuation can lead to 'doing-nothing' in risk governance (Fjaeran and Aven 2019).…”

Section: Risk Governance and The Social Amplification Of Riskmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, as time went on media attention faded and planned risk preparedness activities were cancelled. Fjaeran and Aven (2019) argue that for 'non-event-risks' the modus operandi is often societal and managerial 'non-response'. In addition, risk managers can play a substantial role in the attenuation of risk by not responding to risk signals from experts (Poumad ere et al 2005).…”

Section: Media Logic Mediatization and Risk Governancementioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The roles of news media as democratic fora, agenda setters, and strategic instruments in risk governance

Opperhuizen

Pagiotti

Eshuis

2020

Journal of Risk Research

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This study analyzes news media's role in governmental decision-making processes related to a gradually intensifying series of earthquakes resulting from gas drilling in the Netherlands, and catastrophic natural earthquakes in Italy. According to the risk governance actors interviewed in both cases, media play three roles, as: democratic fora, agenda setters, and strategic instruments. Media attention for risk can create ripple effects in governmental decision-making processes. However, media attention tends to be risk-event driven and focuses on direct newsworthy consequences of events. For 'non-event risks', or when newsworthiness after a risk-event fades, the media's agenda setting and democratic fora roles are limited. This contributes to risk attenuation in society, potentially resulting in limited risk prevention and preparedness. Governmental actors report difficulties in using news media for strategic communication to facilitate risk governance because of media's tendency towards sensationalism. Our research suggests that, in the governance of earthquake-risk news, media logic overrules other institutional logics only for a short while and not in the long run when the three roles of media do not reinforce each other.

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Rethinking the meaning of “landscape shocks” in energy transitions: German social representations of the Fukushima nuclear accident

Upham

Eberhardt

Klapper

2020

Energy Research & Social Science

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Highlights Shared meanings play a role at all levels of Geels’ multi-level perspective of sociotechnical transitions (MLP). Social representations theory is applied as a theory of meaning, to understand ‘landscape shock’ in the MLP psychologically. German newspaper representations of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident are analysed as an illustrative case. Social representations interact with and reflect pre-existing cultural factors. Research directions for the social psychology of sociotechnical landscape shock are set out.

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Making visible the less visible – how the use of an uncertainty-based risk perspective affects risk attenuation and risk amplification

Cited by 13 publications

References 36 publications

Amplification without the event: the rise of the flexitarian

Amplification without the event: the rise of the flexitarian

The roles of news media as democratic fora, agenda setters, and strategic instruments in risk governance

Rethinking the meaning of “landscape shocks” in energy transitions: German social representations of the Fukushima nuclear accident

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