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The introduction of the sociological component in the field of disaster studies has led to an emergence of a distinct approach to the issue. However, it also created several controversial points that remain the sources of active debates. The article by Clarke and Short (1993) addresses a number of issues pertinent to the sociological aspects of risk. The following paper provides a summary of the sections of the article and offers a critique of its scholarly qualities.
The first issue covered in the article is the existence of a difference between the technological and the natural hazards. The authors summarize the different views on the matter, citing the arguments provided by each side of the debate, and outline the major trends in the field, such as the shift from the quality-based classification towards that based on its impact on the environment and the subsequent change in human experience (Clarke & Short, 1993). Next, the contribution of social constructionism to risk is explored. Specifically, Clarke and Short (1993) argue that the objective risk posed by an object or a phenomenon is secondary to its perception by the society. The authors also point to the evident weaknesses of the approach such as the insufficient amount of information in possession of the impacted organizations as well as the improbability of value conflict resolution through information (Clarke & Short, 1993). Third, the article provides an overview of the influence of fairness and trust on the perception of risk, which, according to the authors, is based on the gap between the objective and the perceived risk. It is argued that the demographic characteristics are limited in their predictive value of risk perception whereas the degree of trust towards the capacity of science, corporate entities, and government bodies to manage danger provide a relatively reliable picture (Clarke & Short, 1993). The authors thus suggest that such approach grants institutional legitimacy the highest priority in the process of risk analysis. The fourth issue reviewed in the article is the significance of the theory of human error. The authors provide a list of factors that comprise the concept by citing a number of scholars in the field and point to the gaps in understanding, such as the inability to reach a definitive conclusion due to the multitude of presumptions (Clarke & Short, 1993). In addition, the evidence is presented that the focus on human error diverts the attention from the flaws of the system. The fifth issue studies the concept of high-reliability organizations by exploring the DEPOSE system which allows for the complex interaction of factors outside the production sequence. The low visibility of such interactions makes it more difficult to detect and prevent accidents (Clarke & Short, 1993). Consequently, the minimization of such occurrences contributes to the rigidity and predictability associated with high-reliability organizations. Finally, the authors explore the implications of the unpredictable nature of disasters. Specifically, they point to the fact that the fundamental principles of operation of disaster management organizations make them inherently incompatible with their ultimate goals (Clarke & Short, 1993).
A comprehensive review of issues in the field of disaster management can be considered a success. The introduction of the sociological component in the discipline has led to numerous improvements, which, in turn, resulted in the nearly unanimous acceptance of the practice. The information from the article provides the researchers with an important angle on the field by serving as a guide for evaluating the existence of possible gaps and blind spots. In addition, it can be used to develop a framework necessary to cohesively utilize the sociological theories without compromising the relevance and objectivity of findings.
With regard to the presented information, two questions are to be asked. First, considering the fact that the field has advanced further since the publication of the article, are the issues identified by the authors still relevant? Second, which of the shortcomings highlighted in the paper have been addressed or superseded by the new gaps in the theoretical aspect of risk analysis?
Reference
Clarke, L., & Short Jr, J. F. (1993). Social organization and risk: Some current controversies. Annual Review of Sociology, 19(1), 375-399.
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