Social responses to risk taking Concept four Social responses to risk taking
Risk taking & adventure Different people view risk taking and adventure differently. Some see it as an important part of life, others perceive it as senseless and dangerous. Our responses to risk taking are influenced largely by our perceived risk. The way that society responds to incidents can change the way we perceive, interact and impact on the outdoor environment.
Societal responses include…
Media responses These can include outrage over incidents. They’re often sensationalised and over-exaggerated in order to sell their story. They focus on negative aspects such as tax-payers money used in search efforts or negligent instructors.
Legal Responses Coroners investigations, court action and legislation can occur (creating new laws)
Insurance Insurance companies can increase the cost of insurance based on their perception of risk taking activities. It may cost you more to insure yourself and your equipment.
Infrastructure The development of infrastructure such as roads (access trails), fences and signs are often in response to a level of risk associated with an environment/activity.
Rules and regulations Rules and regulations are implemented in order to combat the perception of risk associated with an environment or activity.
Accreditation of instructors Instructors must have the appropriate training in order to be qualified/accredited in the outdoors. Incidents can often lead to changes in training, therefore requiring updates.
new technologies Safety equipment especially has improved in order to reduce the perceived risk that society has regarding outdoor environments. Satellite phones, personal equipment e.g. helmets, GPS systems are all examples of this.
Idolisation Society tends to idolise adventurers and participants… Who wouldn't want to surf like Kelly Slater!? How might this shape the relationship of someone who lives at Phillip Island?
Incident case study *on our website…
Who remembers “A school caving incident” from last year?
Chain of events post incident Media reports incident: can often be under/over sensationalised depending on the media. Public response: through newspaper editorials, radio talkback, online forums/social media. Investigation: a coroner will be used if death is involved, industry professionals if not. Legal proceedings: may follow if negligence is implied or if a party seeks legal action. Regulations: Legislation (laws) may be introduced to increase participant safety/risk. Industry regulations such as training and activity restrictions may occur also.
Impacts of societal responses Increased safety: encourages more people to participate, increasing negative pressure on environments or positive appreciation. Legal responses and restrictions: may reduce the numbers of participants which can benefit environments that are ‘left alone’ Idolisation of adventures: may encourage unprepared people to enter outdoor environments, leading to negative impacts e.g. erosion, clearing, damaged veg. Fear: negative portrayals of environments may lead to negative views and a reduction in care for such places.
Textbook p.211