The greatest challenge in risk societies is the maintenance of ontological security

An important concept concerning these issues is the concept of ontological security as a stable mental state derived from a sense of stability and continuity regarding everyday life (Giddens, 1991). It implies a sense of order in individual and social experiences, which depends on the ability of human beings to give meaning to their actions. In addition, the attribution of meaning results in positive emotions due to avoidance of uncertainty, insecurity, and risks. Perhaps the greatest challenge in risk societies is the maintenance of ontological security. This concept is related to the individual's fundamental sense of security in the world, and it also includes a basic sense of trust in others (individuals, interactions, and institutions).

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Cultural Factors: Worldviews

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Develop risk assessments methodologies, which consider cultural factors, the manner in which people cognitively process information and which employ a gender perspective