Abstract
The basis of this collective monograph emphasizes the principle of risk construction as a typical human phenomenon on all levels of society - from the system to the individual. For the author of the first chapter, risk is not only an epistemic instrument of cognition, understanding and interpretation of reality, but also an instrument of institutionalization.
It represents an institutionalized strategy of reducing uncertainty in modern societies. Its reification in professional, media, political and lay discourses obscures its constructed nature.
Risk is seen, perceived and interpreted as a real phenomenon objectively captured by a non-valued calculation tool, while in fact, all risk calculations are based on values and what is valued in society. The study emphasizes the examination of the processes of identifying certain threats as risks worthy of a response and addressing and producing risk knowledge, since both are inextricably linked to the value orientations of segments of society, institutionalized behaviors and their normative frameworks.
Knowledge of risk arises in a power-uneven competitive environment and is the result of rivalry or negotiation of various rationalities, knowledge frameworks and power interests. Two following chapters deal (using methods of historiography) with the roots and transformations of terrorism in Europe with an emphasis on its current global character.
Another systemic risk of contemporary society is also examined in the fourth chapter focused on corruption, which affects the economy, the quality of governance and has an erosive effect on the entire social system. However, its public perception is quite strongly differentiated across Europe.
Corruption can be classified as a security risk as well as a fear of crime. The book details the evolution of the feeling of security in the context of progressing democratization and the decline in crime rates in recent years.
Fear of crime is relatively stable and has a fairly rational basis, not subject to so-called moral panics. The perceived disorganization of the neighborhood has a great influence on it.
The study asks about the nature of the relationship between fear and active population protection (avoidance behavior). As the book follows the story of risk from its systemic roots in the nature of modern societies to its expressions in individual lives and experiences, the second part of the book deals with risks at the individual level.
The chapter on healthy lifestyles explores why people cannot actively adhere to otherwise recognized principles. The answer is found in the compensation theory: people often believe that it is easy to compensate for unhealthy behavior by some other healthy activity.
This effect on behavior can be empirically demonstrated. In the area of physical education and sports, a survey probe went to the university students, which showed their views on risks in this field and motivation to participate.
It did not show any significant weight of any personal experience with minor injuries. A case study of the experiences of Czech sportswomen has shown that the risks associated with communication on social networks are still acute and topical nowadays.
Yet, it is clear that female sportswomen cannot give up (self)presentations on social media. New media can help athletes engage fans and partially match their male counterparts, who are still preferred in traditional media.
Voluntary entering into extreme risks is a hallmark for a group of individuals doing so-called edgework. In the perspective of this book, edgework activities are understood, among other things, as a result of the nature of modern society, more precisely as a response of individuals to the conditions that society creates for them.
Conscious and active "work" with one's own destiny "on the edge" establishes a very strong experience of meaning, which is often perceived by the edge-working actors as a necessary and key stimulus for performing dangerous activities. Much of what in these extreme or marginal cases is the work on the edge, the question of life and death, is increasingly paralleled in day-to-day work with risk - conscious and active risk taking.
More or less calculated risk taking is gradually becoming a part of postmodern culture. Thus, the last chapter closes the endless loop of the system-individual interlock.