On Risk and Disability – Investigating the Influence of Disability and Social Capital on the Perception and Digital Communication of risk

Abstract

Does living as a disabled person affect how risks are perceived? Studies of various population groups show that not only macro level structures but also micro social contexts and individual conditions influence risk perception. This knowledge is important for formulating, designing, and communicating risk information. The aim of this study is to examine how disabled people’s risk perception and preference for digital risk communication channels are influenced by disability in itself and by social capital. A quantitative survey (N=6 500) was carried out in Sweden showing that while disability is not influential, social capital is. This differs from the results of previous studies on other population groups, which show that group specific factors do influence risk perception. This study suggests that due to the importance of social capital, institutions communicating risk information should build strong relationships with (local) disability associations and networks in order to communicate more effectively.

Keywords

• Disability; risk perception; risk communication; social capital