Living in a Risk Society

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.