The Social

Science
Perspective

What is Sociological
Perspectives
Sociological perspectives include undesirable
events that are socially defined and socially
constructed

Five predominant social

science
Rational choice approach - it parts from the
assumption that human beings are capable of acting
in a strategic fashion by linking decisions with
outcomes.
Reflexive modernization approach - rests on the
assumption that the meta-rationality of modernity
Systems theory approach - according to this theory
human societies are organized as a variety of selfreferential or self-organizing systems, which define
their own reality

Five predominant social

science
Critical theory approach - theory of communicative
action and of communicative competence
respectively comprises a body of thought based on
an extended criticism of modernity that
emphasizes the contradictions.
Post-modern perspective - most radical view on
constructivism. Knowledge, moral norms and
aesthetic values represent nothing more than
power-induced constructions of groups who abuse
claims of universality for reasons of influencing or
manipulating others.

Cultural Theory
of Risk

What is Cultural Theories

Cultural theories treat risks as social constructs
that are determined by structural forces in society.

Four Types of Prototypes

Entrepreneurial prototype - perceive risk taking as
an opportunity to succeed in a competitive market
and to pursue their personal goals.
Egalitarian prototype - which emphasizes
cooperation and equality rather than competition
and freedom.
Bureaucrats - relies on rules and procedures to
cope with uncertainty.

 Atomized or stratified individuals - principally

believes in hierarchy, but they miss group identity
and a system of social bonding.

Integrated
Perspectives

What is Integrated
Perspectives
Integrated Perspectives its central task is to
balance the opportunities and risk of modern
technologies and other human activities in
accordance with the needs and visions of those
who ought to be served.