ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an overview of core ideas and concepts of cultural theory developed by social anthropologist Mary Douglas. The meaning and role of the topic of risk within cultural theory is outlined. The cornerstone of cultural theory, the grid-goup model, is presented and explained as well as central concepts such as cultural bias, world view, way of life, and cosmology. Attention is given to different collective stances to the environment, so called myths of nature. Recent developments such as cultural cognition, and critique of cultural theory especially regarding environmental attitudes are discussed.
