Ulrich Beck: Living on the Volcano of Civilization

Who is Ulrich Beck?

Ulrich Beck is a well known German sociologist, as well as one of the most cited social scientists in the world during his lifetime. His work focused on questions of uncontrollability, ignorance, and uncertainty in the modern age, and he coined the terms “risk society” and “second modernity” or “reflexive modernization”. He passed away in January of 2015 at the age of 70.

What hazard or issue is Beck discussing and where does it apply (location/site)?

The hazard/risk Beck is addressing is how there are environmental issues occurring throughout the world, specifically in Western Civilization, but no one is really doing anything about it. They are acting like nothing is wrong, when there are actually major issues going on. Beck included 5 theses on environmental risks. 

Identify the research method used to produce the text.

Beck collaborated with ‘mostly young scholars’ in his research activities, as well as utilized secondary research to support his views. His writing is situated within his field, so he is using information from other authors in his field (Theory, Philosophy, or “Armchair” research). He compared the past to the present and created a timeline into what is going on now that we are not yet aware of. 

What does the text say about the hazard they discuss? What is their primary point about risk?

Beck is saying that a destructive event such as an atomic incident could last for generations to come, therefore people should be more worried about these incidents.

What is a risk society?

A risk society is a break within modernity, which is freeing itself from the contours of the classical industrial society and forging this new form. In the risk society, the principles of modernity are redeemed from their separations and limitations in industrial society.

What language does the author use to discuss the hazard (for example, look for descriptors like “dirty,” “dark,” “gleaming,” or “bright” as indicators of pathos, or how the audience is meant to feel about the hazard)? Provide at least one example from the text.

The language Beck uses to discuss the hazard within his book revolves around ethos. He uses his own credibility in the field of sociology. He uses claims and backs them up with the use of other sources. For example, he uses a quote from the Council of Experts on Environmental Issues that says, “in mother’s milk beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzol, and DDT are often found in significant concentrations (1985: 33). These toxic substances are contained in pesticides and herbicides that have by now been taken off the market. According to the report, their origin is undetermined (33). At another point it is stated: “The exposure of the population to lead is not dangerous on average” (35).