Public Perception and Response to Risk: A Sociological Review in the Modern Era

Rafadi Khan Khayru; Gregorius  Seran

Authors

Rafadi Khan Khayru Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya
Gregorius Seran International House Sydney Australia

Keywords:

risk sociology, risk perception, public policy, risk management, modern society, community participation, risk literacy

Abstract

This study examines the social construction of risk in modern society through a qualitative approach that focuses on the triad of perception, response, and production of risk. The analysis reveals a complex dialectic between technocratic government policy formulation and contextual social epistemology, in which the meaning of risk emerges from negotiations between personal experiences, social networks, and dynamically evolving cultural structures. Critical findings indicate that this epistemological gap can only be bridged through two fundamental transformations: (1) a paradigm shift in government communication from a one-way monological model to a participatory dialogical model, and (2) the institutionalization of public involvement in the entire policy cycle through inclusive deliberative mechanisms. As a strategic recommendation, this study offers a transformative risk education framework that integrates technical literacy with local wisdom, as well as a collaborative governance model that positions communities as active subjects in decision-making. The substantive contribution of this study lies in its conceptual roadmap for reconfiguring risk governance that is not only responsive to uncertainty but also proactively builds the adaptive capacity of communities in facing the complexities of the times. The resulting policy implications emphasize the importance of a holistic approach that integrates institutional, cultural, and community dimensions in the development of a resilient and sustainable risk management system.

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