Sweat, scrapes and diamonds: The contradictions of risk in reflexive modernity

Abstract

This paper takes adventure racing as a starting point from which to discuss the centrality of risk in contemporary society. It goes on to trace the emergence of risk as a linguistic repertoire for providing meaning in everyday life, its relevance for the structuration of risk management as a strategy for the government of populations and its various transformations in the context of 'risk society'. In this etymological and historical journey, risk is both a new figure resulting from specific social configuration - reflexive modernity - and a window to the past. It is in this confrontation between cultural permanence and technological innovation that it becomes possible to understand the emergence of contemporary types of risk-adventure that foster modes of adventure that are increasingly equipped with technique and know-how to face the inevitable obstacles of adventure; without needing to refer to metaphors of fatality, fortune or even luck.