Edgework, Uncertainty, and Social Character

Abstract

This article proposes a novel conceptual understanding of ‘edgework’ – a term denoting the voluntary embrace of risk – by drawing on the long-standing sociological tradition of character studies. In doing so, it addresses the paradox that while first-generation research into high-risk leisure suggested that these activities provided identity-affirming escapes from bureaucratised capitalism, second-generation writings argued that edgework exists in harmony with the norms of ‘risk societies’, raising questions about its continuing appeal. Developing a new analytical perspective with which to assess these views, we argue that the former studies should be understood in the context of challenges to ‘other-directed’ characterological forms prominent within the post-War era, while the latter signal the embodiment of edgework within emergent ‘opportunity-directed’ modalities of social character. This interpretation explains the enduring attractions of edgework alongside its changed social role, and also signals its utility as a prism through which to observe broader characterological changes.

Edgework, institutions and enhanced interrogation

“…Overall, I believe that the programme meets most of the Edgework criteria that were originally identified by Lyng (1990). The argument supports and extends previous research which has suggested that certain forms of work can provide a vehicle for Edgework (Kidder, 2006; Mellor & Shilling, 2021; Roth, 2015). I would argue that, looked at in totality, a particular form of Edgework can be identified from studying the Enhanced Interrogation programme, which I refer to as ‘Institutional Edgework’.…”

“…Furthermore, work, rather than being a solely enervating force, may sometimes be a venue through which Edgework activities occur (Kidder, 2006; Roth, 2015); in Lyng's (1990) terms, under certain circumstances institutions can be vehicles for impulsive action. Certain types of jobs may facilitate Edgework more easily than others (Mellor & Shilling, 2021).…”

“…While it has been recognized that Edgework can occur within the context of contemporary institutions, especially those that engage in dangerous work (Laurendeau & Van Brunschot, 2006; Mellor & Shilling, 2021), what has been less recognized is that institutions themselves might possibly engage in Edgework, or at least their actions might demonstrate the features of Edgework. Arguing that institutions engage in Edgework may seem very different from first generation Edgework research, which focussed on individual level activity (Mellor & Shilling, 2021). However if Edgework is conceptualised as voluntary, skilful risk‐taking in which a threat to an entity is clear and present (Kidder, 2021), then it is plausible that such a definition could apply to institutions as well as individuals.…”

Social character, interdependence, and the dualities of other‐directedness

“…Other‐directedness may not be the only characterological form evident nowadays (Mellor & Shilling, 2021; Shilling & Mellor, 2021), but if its present incarnation is failing to connect people to society via a set of qualities shared with fellow citizens, it is worth ending our conclusion by returning to Kornhauser's (1959) warnings in The Politics of Mass Society . Kornhauser (1959, p. 330) expressed concern that societies bereft of sufficiently strong intermediary organizations exposed individuals to the mobilizing capacities of potentially extremist elite groups.…”

Socio-Religious Education to Strengthen Harmony Between Hindus and Muslims with Multiculturalism

“…Multicultural education provides a foundation for bonding with one another as a social commitment design (Hayes et al, 2021;Sather et al, 2018;Schubert & Kolb, 2021). It aims to develop social participation in building integrative nuances between individuals or groups (Mellor & Shilling, 2021;Outhwaite, 2022). Multicultural education uses ethnic, cultural, or linguistic aspects to spread diverse values, indicating that the cultural aspects explored can form a society with social resilience, a form of social achievement (Ahn, 2020;Lee & Curtis, 2017;Tebeau, 2021).…”