how did society transform from middle ages to date

Question 1

Shift from religion to modernisation religion

Answer 1

During the Middle Ages, religion used to play a big role in shaping people’s perspectives about the future and in providing solutions for managing uncertainties.
After the introduction and progress of modernisation religious authority began to decline and alternative solutions emerged on approaching future uncertainties

Question 2

Differentiation between dangers, risks and uncertainties

Answer 2

Progress into modernisation introduced the differentiation between dangers, risks and uncertainties

DANGERS
Refer to things such as sicknesses, wars and epidemics and are seen as threats wihich are attributed to the divine will (Fate)

RISKS
are usually uncertain but can be quantifiable.
can be insured, managed and are primarily associated with industrialisation and progress (the development of technology and science)

UNCERTAINTIES
Are dependent on human actions
emerge within societies
have an incalculable and uncontrollable nature
(Human actions which cause pollution and destruction in societies that eventually lead to uncertainties such as climate change)

Question 3

anticipation of catastrophes
(Beck’s definition of risks)

Answer 3

Risks in modern societies represent the anticipation of a potential catastrophe.
Are events that have not yet materialised but become significant when anticipated because then we can prepare for them

This anticipation carries political and social consequences and can reshape the world (to avoid catastrophe)

Question 4

Globalization of risk

Answer 4

The concept of a “world risk society” describes a globalized context
where risks and uncertainties are no longer confined to specific geographical areas.

The causes and consequences of these risks transcend borders, encompassing issues like climate change, financial crises, and terrorism

Question 6

Intersecting and Commingling Risks:

Answer 6

Threats, risks, and manufactured uncertainties often
intersect and commingle in reality. It is not just a matter of choosing between safe and risky alternatives but rather between different risky alternatives with qualitatively distinct
dimensions

Question 7

Social Construction of risks (How society constructs the whole concept of risk)

Answer 7

Modern risks are social constructs heavily reliant on collective perceptions and shared patterns of experience.

Narratives, often found in literature, play a
significant role in making these risks relatable. Visualization and signification are critical in
establishing shared visibility and credibility.

Question 8

Role of mass media and technology

Answer 8

Mass media, science, technology, and cultural
institutions have fundamentally reshaped the understanding and communication of risks.
Visualization techniques and the power dynamics behind them have transformed how
people perceive and respond to risks

Question 9

Significance of this transformation

Answer 9

This transformation highlights the shift from religious interpretations of the future to a
complex interplay of risks, manufactured uncertainties, and shared perceptions.

It reflects how modern societies confront the challenges and uncertainties brought about by
globalization, technology, and the acceleration of change. The dynamics of risk,
responsibility, and individualization play significant roles in shaping this societal evolution