Chernobyl, Nuclear Energy and Risk Perception

Can Risk Management Be Prosperous?

Term Paper , 2008 , 17 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Sociology - Economy and Industry

The present essay deals with the issue of the danger and Risk Perception of nuclear energy in connection with the nuclear accident in Chernobyl in the year 1986. Under the central question: can Risk Management be successful concerning the reduction of the people´s Risk Perception of nuclear energy and nuclear accidents? it was attempted to find a first answer based on the analysis of newspaper articles and books. Thereby the role of the media and the psychology of the people is kept in mind.
Although the accident in Chernobyl happened already 22 years ago, it left a lasting mark on the people´s perception of the safety of nuclear energy and nuclear power in general.
The problems arising in the context of managing these risks are highlighted as well as the question whether and how these problems, if applicable, can be solved.
Although the people are aware of the risk and the danger in which they resort themselves, some people decide to choose the contaminated zone around Chernobyl as a tourist destination. This seems especially paradox, because of the fact that those people settle for a risk they would actually be afraid of in everyday life. There are various explanations for this behavior called "Dark Tourism". The examination of this phenomenon will conclude the paper.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Causes and Background to the Accident in Chernobyl 2
1.1 The RBMK-1000 Reactor
1.2 The Accident in Chernobyl

Chapter 2: Risk Perception, Risk Management and Chernobyl
2.1 The Accidents´ Influence on Risk Perception
2.2 The Role of the Media
2.3 Risk Management Problems

Chapter 3: Chernobyl as Holiday Destination
3.1 Conscious Risk as Thrill – Chernobyl and Dark Tourism
3.2 Daytrip to the Restricted Area

Conclusion: A Solution Statement ?

Sources

• College: Mid Sweden University (Department of Sociology)
• Course: Risk Management and Risk Communication
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Sandra Schindlauer (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 17
• Catalog Number: V174367
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640948512
• ISBN (Book): 9783640948673
• Language: English
• Tags: Chernobyl, Risk Perception, Media, Risk Management, nuclear accidents, Dark Tourism