Moral dimensions in risk evaluation

Abstract

The contribution intends showing that theorizing and research on risk is enriched by integrating concepts from the developmental theory of moral judgement. It is argued that in the context of different moral orientations the perception and conceptualization of risk changes. To integrate both research traditions (risk and morality) a common action theory framework is proposed and applied to the theory of moral development and risk conceptualizations. By integrating “levels of actions” into “levels of moral judgment” four “ideal types of everyday morality” are constructed theoretically and tested empirically by means of semi-structured interviews (N = 80) on risks in agricultural settings. The types differ in maturity and complexity. The results demonstrate: (a) the empirical validity of the four types, and (b) that in fact the risk concepts of these types differ. Some similarities to other types of “risk cultures” are discussed and practical consequences (for behavior and education) are elaborated.

Citation

Eckensberger, L.H., Döring, T. and Breit, H. (2001), "Moral dimensions in risk evaluation", Böm, G., Nerb, J., McDaniels, T. and Spada, H. (Ed.) Environmental Risks: Perception, Evaluation and Management (Research in Social Problems and Public Policy, Vol. 9), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 137-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0196-1152(01)80027-2