Risk as a social construction and social construction of risk

Abstract

The concept of “social construction†associated with risks has proved to be an increasingly useful analytical tool among disaster experts. However, as it naturally occurs during the creation and evolution of theoretical concepts to explain reality, it has acquired different meanings. This, in some cases, has generated some confusion in its use. This paper attempts to clarify some of the variations used of the concept “social construction of risk†by studying and reviewing its main usages and contents, and in particular two: one that associates it with perception and another that associates it with vulnerability. It is basically a theoretical essay intended to contribute some elements for scholars that study disasters so they can use more fluently one of the concepts that will allow them to better comprehend the object of their studies.