Risk

by John Adams

Risk compensation postulates that everyone has a "risk thermostat" and that safety measures that do not affect the setting of the thermostat will be circumvented by behaviour that re-establishes the level of risk with which people were originally comfortable. It explains why, for example, motorists drive faster after a bend in the road is straightened. Cultural theory explains risk-taking behaviour by the operation of cultural filters. It postulates that behaviour is governed by the probable costs and benefits of alternative courses of action which are perceived through filters formed from all the previous incidents and associations in the risk-taker's life.; "Risk" should be of interest to many readers throughout the social sciences and in the world of industry, business, engineering, finance and public administration, since it deals with a fundamental part of human behaviour that has enormous financial and economic implications.

Genres: Economics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Business, Urban Planning, Sociology, Environment

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

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Reviews

[Carlosfelipe Pardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oldie but definitely goodie. I am sure there are newer books that debate this topic but this one is pretty interesting as it presents risk, risk compensation and (a) cultural theory to try and explain it. It does fall short (though admitting it) on how to deal with the issue of risk other than by being a fatalist.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is basically a text book but I loved what it taught me about thinking about risk, and how it's less obvious than it appears. For example, that bicycle helmet laws might only reduce injuries by reducing the number of bicyclists. Lots of great examples of unintended consequences.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very helpful.