The comparison between natural and man-made disasters according to three important factors influencing risk perception


30.09.2018

According to another group of authors (see source document for full reference), the most important factors influencing risk perception are familiarity with the risk, controllability of the risk and the number of people affected by the risk (Beck, 1999, according to Rogers et al., 2007). The more familiar and controllable the risk is, and the fewer people are affected by it - it is perceived as lower (Beck, 1999, according to Rogers et al., 2007). The comparison of natural and man-made disasters regarding these dimensions resulted in the following conclusions (Rogers et al., 2007): Natural disasters are familiar and well established, hence the risk linked with them tends to be underrated. Opposite to that, man-made disasters are unknown, which increases the level of risk associated with them. Man-made disasters are perceived as out of the control of the general public, which increases the perception of risk associated with them. Man-made disasters (i.e. radiation after nuclear accidents) tend to be perceived as disasters that affect a large number of people including future generations, which is associated with a higher level of perceived risk.

Note: See source document for full reference.


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