Risk: Perception and Acceptance by Society Risiken: Gesellschaftliche Wahrnehmung und politische Akzeptanz

Abstract

Perception of risk by humans is not based on rational assessment only, but also on inbred traits of character. Furthermore, social interactions tend to enhance individual perceptions up to the point of collective mania. Thus, a purely rational assessment of risk as the product of 'potential damage' times 'probability of occurence' is not useful in most cases, as the full consequences of an event – imbedded as it is in a social context – are unpredictable as a rule.It is argued that perception and acceptance of risk by society can only be favorably influenced by 'rich communication', i.e., by transparency, proactive openness, involvement of leading critics, of political institutions and of the population. A set of rules is developed which can help to enhance acceptance of risks and to minimize their unwanted sociological consequences.