ABSTRACT
Over the last two chapters I have focused my discussion more directly upon the contention that society is more anxious because it is more risk conscious. I have outlined a range of contrasting starting points for embarking upon a critical analysis of the risk-anxiety relationship. I have consistently sought to refer the reader to the extent to which the meaning of this relationship is held subject to a conflict of interpretations. Indeed, I would have us consider the extent to which it is by recognising that there are no final certainties with regard to the meaning of ‘risk consciousness’ for anxiety (or vice versa), that we may be in a better position to assess the cultural and political significance of these particular ways of thinking and feeling about our world.
