Question 1

What does Ulrich Beck mean by a "risk society?

Accepted Answer

Ulrich Beck defines a risk society as a society where we live in constant fear of environmental bads, and we do not have the confidence in our institutions that we once had. Beck argues that this fear arises from the recognition that modern technology has created new and unprecedented risks that cannot be fully understood or predicted. As a result, we are forced to rely on experts, who themselves may not fully understand the risks, to make important decisions that affect our lives.

Question 2

Rational choice theory's premise is that the individual is apurposeful, calculating actor, seeking to maximize her orhis interests.

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory assumes that individuals make decisions based on rational calculations of their own self-interest and seek to maximize their benefits in any given situation.

Question 3

In Britain, the calculated risk of getting into an automobileaccident while driving is greater than the material risk ofgetting mad cow disease from eating a hamburger.

Accepted Answer

According to statistics, the likelihood of getting into a car accident in Britain is much higher than the risk of contracting mad cow disease from consuming beef.

Question 4

Food disparagement statutes in 13 states protect citizens who publicly question the safety of food products.

Accepted Answer

Food disparagement statutes, also known as "veggie libel laws," are designed to protect food producers from false claims about the safety of their products, not to protect citizens who question food safety.

Question 5

The USDA always encourages scientific research that tests the safety of corporate activities in food and agriculture.

Accepted Answer

The USDA supports scientific research but may not always encourage research that tests the safety of corporate activities, as its priorities can be influenced by various factors, including political and economic considerations.

Question 6

Rational risk assessment suggests that we should compareour best knowledge about the rates and probabilities ofhazards and choose the least dangerous alternative.

Accepted Answer

Rational risk assessment involves weighing the potential dangers and probabilities of different options and selecting the least risky course of action.

Question 7

Contingent valuation is a way to assess cultural values bydetermining how much people are willing to pay forthings.

Accepted Answer

Contingent valuation is a method used in economics to determine the value that individuals place on a particular environmental resource, cultural resource or public good. It estimates the total economic benefit that would be derived from a project or policy by asking people how much they would be willing to pay for it. Hence, it is a way to assess cultural values by determining how much people are willing to pay for things.

Question 8

One assumption of rational risk assessment is that the "facts" relevant to an issue of risk cannot be known.

Accepted Answer

Rational risk assessment assumes that the relevant facts can be known through scientific research, data analysis, and expert opinions. This allows for a systematic and evidence-based evaluation of risks and helps in making informed decisions to manage or mitigate them.

Question 9

The author lists at least two problems with rational risk assessment, one is the problems of tautology and the other is a problem of incommensurability. Define and explain both of these problems?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The author lists at least two problems...

Question 10

What are SLAPP suits, and what example of these does the text give?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are SLAPP suits, and what example...

Question 11

Ulrich Beck sees "reflexive modernization" as a sign of hope. What is "reflexive modernization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ulrich Beck sees "reflexive modernization" as a...

Question 12

What are vertical and horizontal knowledge gaps?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are vertical and horizontal knowledge gaps?...

Question 13

Explain Kai Erikson's theory about the Salem witch trials. How did they reinforce group cohesion and group boundaries? How is this situation similar to the threat of terrorism today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain Kai Erikson's theory about the Salem...

Question 14

Why does the chapter suggest that it would be easier for Oprah to give up eating hamburgers than to give up driving cars?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does the chapter suggest that it...

Question 15

What do you think of Beck's belief that environmentalism is the defining issue of our time? Why does he believe this? Do you agree or disagree? What does the chapter say about the enduring primacy of economic conflicts?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do you think of Beck's belief...

Question 16

Explain what Perrow means when he says that a technological system is either linear or complex and either loosely or tightly coupled. Give examples?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Matching: Please match the term, thinker, and/or text with its complement or correspondent , by placing the appropriate identification letter/number in the space provided. (You may use answers more than once.)
-____ Loosely/tightly coupled technology

Accepted Answer

Charles Perrow is known for his work on complex organizations and the concept of "normal accidents." He argues that systems with tight coupling (where actions have immediate and major consequences) are more prone to accidents than those with loose coupling (where there is more flexibility and room for error).

Answer: B
 Ulrich Beck is a sociologist who developed the concept of the "risk society," in which modern societies are characterized by the production and distribution of risks. He argues that risks are no longer localized, but rather global and systemic, and that we must adopt new forms of politics and governance to deal with them.

Answer: D
 Rational risk assessment is a method used to evaluate and prioritize risks based on their likelihood and potential consequences. It involves identifying hazards, assessing their likelihood and impact, and developing strategies to manage or mitigate them.

Answer: F
 Arpad Pusztai is a British scientist who became famous in the 1990s for his controversial research on the risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). He claimed that his research on rats fed with GM potatoes showed evidence of toxic effects, but his findings were later discredited by the scientific community.

Answer: G
 The European Union (EU) has developed a comprehensive framework for managing risks related to food safety, which includes risk assessments, risk management, and risk communication. This framework is designed to ensure that food is safe for consumers across the EU.

Answer: H
 Risk refers to the potential for harm or loss, either in terms of the likelihood of an event occurring or the magnitude of its consequences. It is often used in discussions of safety, security, and public health.

Answer: I
 Risky refers to something that involves a high degree of risk or uncertainty, and may have negative consequences if it fails. It is often used in reference to financial investments, business ventures, or personal decisions.

Question 18

Matching: Please match the term, thinker, and/or text with its complement or correspondent , by placing the appropriate identification letter/number in the space provided. (You may use answers more than once.)
-____ Risk society

Accepted Answer

Ulrich Beck is the thinker associated with the concept of "risk society," which refers to a society increasingly preoccupied with the future and safety, generating the notion of risk.

Question 19

Matching: Please match the term, thinker, and/or text with its complement or correspondent , by placing the appropriate identification letter/number in the space provided. (You may use answers more than once.)
-____ Wayward Puritans

Accepted Answer

Kai Erickson is the author of "Wayward Puritans," which is a sociological study of deviance and social control.

Question 20

Matching: Please match the term, thinker, and/or text with its complement or correspondent , by placing the appropriate identification letter/number in the space provided. (You may use answers more than once.)
-____ Contingent valuation

Accepted Answer

Contingent valuation is a method used in rational risk assessment to evaluate the value of non-market resources.

Quiz 10: The Rationality of Risk