The Social Aspects of Risk-Taking in Adolescence Flashcards
What contributes to the rationale behind people’s apparent risky behaviour of unprotected sex e.g. HIV/AIDS, sexual risk and gay men
Rarely is risk-taking due to “lack of knowledge”. Alcohol or otehr drugs not causally related, Love, trust and intimacy are typically associated with unprotected sex. Partnership career: condoms may be avoided with regular partner but used with casual lovers
Explain why people take risks because they like it
It is a pleasurable experience and, as with sex, is sought after and paid for because of positively enjoyable sensations. Thus the search for gratification through these particular forms of consumption should be seen as integral to their occurrence, and should inform our understanding of the context and sites in which these activities take place
What is the social perspective of risk and adolescence
Constructions of social problems which are presented by policy makers, the media and other opinion formers. Explore the historical contexts in which such issues evolve and the part they play in people’s lives.
Explain the ‘risk society’
Risks are of our own making. Directly related to Western nations, especially through technological advancement, rather than ‘nature’ or ‘acts of God’/ Move from fate/ will of God to idea that every person is responsible to protect themselves from risk-part of being a ‘good citizen’.
What are the two types of risk
External (e.g. global warming) and internal (e.g smoking, obesity, drug use: can be modified)
Describe ‘good citizenship’
In the managed society good citizens must play their part in managing their relationship to risk. But sociological research suggests that ‘riskiness’ and the reasons people engage in risky activity are complex
What are the risks associate with smoking during pregnancy
Stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (cot death), premature birth, low birth-weight, miscarriage and associated with health problems for the child such as asthma, defects (e.g. cleft lip), ADHD and learning difficulties
Why do women smoke during pregnancy
Not explained by individualist models. Cuts across social divisions and is shaped by socio-economic contexts. Neighbourhood social class is related to smoking in early pregnancy- and living in mostly working class areas significantly increases the risk of smoking during pregnancy
How do women perceive drinking and smoking during pregnancy as different types of risks with different meanings
Recognise smoking is harmful, saw it as a risk-taking behaviour and to act in the best interest of the foetus. Saw moderate smoking and drinking of alcohol during pregnancy as acceptable and responsible behaviour
How do we know what is risky?
Something may not be seen as risky until we know that the practice or activity could be dangerous. So the activity is not constituted as risky until later on Sometimes people know the risks- there is suppression of knowledge and evidence
Describe how risk taking behaviour is not all about education
Not everyone can choose what they do or how they live (obesity, ill health, inequality). Poorer housing nearer dangerous pollution sites, such as nuclear power stations or major roads. Poor access to healthy foods
Explain how risk is relative (eyes of the beholder)
What is perceived of as dangerous is not universal. What is of central concern to sociologists in contrast to perhaps colleagues in public health is not the evaluation of risk and danger in absolute sense, but rather our shifting perceptions of risk and challenging patterns of risk management
Why are there different meanings of risk
Riskiness is contested and negotiable. Bodybuilders and doctors have different ideas about what is safe and what is not safe (e.g. steroids)
Describe hierarchies of risk
Risk/ dangerousness is assessed across different activities/ possibilities. People develop hierarchies of riskiness e.g. for male prostitutes the immediate threat of violence if they try to use a condom may outweigh the more distant threat of illness and death through HIV/ AIDS
How is risk connected to identity
It helps to define who we are including doing things that might be dangerous (‘edgework’) e.g. gender/ masculinity
