Social Representations of Natural Hazard Risk in Swiss Mountain Regions

Abstract

The term "risk" is connoted with divergent meanings in natural hazard risk research and the practice of risk management. Whilst the technical definition is accurately defined, in practice, the term "risk" is often synonymously used with "danger". Considering this divergence as a deficiency, risk communication often aims to correct laypersons' understanding. We suggest in reference to Breakwell (2001) to treat the variety of meanings as a resource for risk communication strategies instead. However, there is no investigation so far, of what laypersons' meanings of risk actually comprise. To address this gap, we examine the meanings of risk applying a social representations approach (Moscovici, 2001) in a qualitative case study design. Results of the study among inhabitants of Swiss mountain villages show that differences in meanings were found according to hazard experience and community size. We found commonly shared core representations, and single peripheral ones. We conclude with suggestions on how to make usage of the knowledge on SR in risk communication.

Dealing with inconsistent weather warnings: effects on warning quality and intended actions

“…With respect to general weather information sources, there is very limited research available in the Swiss context. In her thesis on risk awareness and preparedness in Swiss natural hazard risk management, Maidl () found that the most common means to get informed about natural hazards is to follow weather forecasts in popular media such as radio, television and newspapers, followed by websites and mobile apps. More proactive forms such as attending information events or public discussions are less frequently used and social media appeared to be the least useful media (data on the availability and usage of 20 different means was collected) (Maidl, ).…”

“…In her thesis on risk awareness and preparedness in Swiss natural hazard risk management, Maidl () found that the most common means to get informed about natural hazards is to follow weather forecasts in popular media such as radio, television and newspapers, followed by websites and mobile apps. More proactive forms such as attending information events or public discussions are less frequently used and social media appeared to be the least useful media (data on the availability and usage of 20 different means was collected) (Maidl, ). In Germany, Kox and Thieken () found that slightly fewer people use weather forecasts daily (69.4%) compared to this study and that traditional mass media are still the primary source of weather information (in order of decreasing usage: TV, radio, websites, apps, newspapers, SMS/emails).…”

“…The questions were developed by the authors taking into account the vast literature on warning communication and examples of other questionnaire surveys (e.g. Ripberger et al, ; Kox and Thieken, ; Maidl, ; Potter et al, ; Weyrich et al, ). The scenario was placed at the beginning of the survey.…”

Wildfire, Environmental Risk and Deliberative Planning in the Locarnese Region of Switzerland

“…Implicit to the approach is the assumption that the opportunity to be heard by authorities leads to Swiss citizens feeling that they are valued as actors in the development of new understandings, decisions and institutional capacities. Although the Swiss system provides opportunities for direct input into environmental planning decisions, the system has been criticised by some commentators as lacking effective ongoing mechanisms for all individuals to shape specific local outcomes (Höppner et al 2012;Home et al 2014;Inch 2015;Maidl and Buchecker 2019).…”