Risk society and the second demographic transition

Authors

  • David R. Hall Department of Sociology, Nipissing University, North Bay Ontario; Professional Associate, Population Studies Centre, University of Western Ontario, London Ontario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25336/P6SC7K

Abstract

Prominent “risk society” theorists such as Giddens and Beck have identified risk as a fundamental organizing principle of contemporary society. Importantly, a major cause of risk awareness and anxiety in modern society is individualism . . a concept Lesthaeghe linked to changes in family formation. In this regard, of the types of risk discussed in the sociological literature, “interpersonal risks” associated with cohabitation, marriage, and parenting are of obvious salience. This paper explores how the modern “risk society” thesis, and the concept of interpersonal risk could materially contribute to understanding the second demographic transition.

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Published

2002-12-31

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Section

Articles