Trust in nuclear power is often linked to a lower level of perceived risk

Greater trust in nuclear power and positive attitudes towards it coincide with a lower level of perceived nuclear risk (Sjöberg, 2000; Whitfield et al., 2004). Regarding the attitudes toward nuclear power, it has been demonstrated that they are “asymmetrically plastic”: they rapidly change to extremely negative after a nuclear accident, but they are hard to change even in the long periods without any accidents (Rosa & Dunlap, 1994). Negative attitudes toward nuclear power have shown to be more frequent in females and non-whites (Whitfield et al., 2004), which can be discussed in the context of previously described vulnerability hypothesis (Flynn et al., 1994).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Gender roles, Worldviews

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness

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