Book Review: Risk, Environment and Modernity: Towards a New Ecology

Abstract

Environmental and risk issues are symptomatic of deep-seated social and cultural tensions and transformations in the fabric of contemporary societies. This major contribution to the study of risk, ecology and environment helps us to understand the politics of ecology and the place of social theory in making sense of environmental issues. The book provides insights into the complex dynamics of change in 'risk societies'. The issues of risk and environment are explored at three levels. The contributors offer a critical assessment of dominant institutional ways of thinking and talking about risk, and counterpoises these with more open, self-critical approaches. They explore individuals' sense of risk, and their expression in collective insecurities. They show how political thinking and debate on risk has been, and further can be transformed. Wide-ranging and accessible, Risk, Environment and Modernity contains contributions from leading scholars, including Ulrich Beck. It will rapidly establish itself as the key text in the field. The book will be required reading for students of sociology, political science, geography and environmental studies.