‘Real without being concrete’: the ontology of public concern and its significance for the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Public concern is a pivotal notion in the risk perception, communication and management literature. It is, for example, a central concept with regard to the social amplification of risk, and as a justification for policy attention. Despite its ubiquity, the notion of public concern remains a ‘black box’ presenting a poorly understood state of affairs as a reified matter-of-fact. Paying attention to the deployment and metrics of public concern, and the work it is required to do, will enhance the power of approaches to understanding risk, and policymaking. Thus, the broad purpose of this paper is to unpack the notion of public concern by adopting an ontological yet critical perspective, drawing on a range of literature that considers ontology. We reflect on how publics and public concern have been conceptualised with regard to the dichotomies of individual/social and private/public, given that they imply different levels and dimensions of concern. We draw on empirical work that illuminates the assessment and measurement of public concern and how the public have responded to risk events. Considering public concern through an ontological lens affords a means of drawing renewed critical attention to objects that might otherwise appear finished or ready-made.
Date Issued
2020-01-01
Date Acceptance
2018-06-20
Citation
Journal of Risk Research, 2020, 23 (2), pp.20-34
ISSN
1366-9877
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Start Page
20
End Page
34
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Risk Research
Volume
23
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Risk Research on 23 Oct 2018, available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2018.1501598
Sponsor
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Grant Number
BB/L012308/1
Subjects
Social Sciences
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Social Sciences - Other Topics
Ontology
public concern
Social Amplification of Risk Framework
assemblage
publics
ISSUES
COMMUNICATION
PERCEPTION
GREENPEACE
DYNAMICS
SCIENCE
SHELL
Strategic, Defence & Security Studies
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-10-23