Chernobyl, Nuclear Energy and Risk Perception

Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject Sociology - Economy and Industry, grade: 1,0, Mid Sweden University (Department of Sociology), course: Risk Management and Risk Communication, language: English, abstract: The present essay deals with the issue of the danger and Risk Perception of nuclear energy in connection with the nuclear accident in Chernobyl in the year 1986. Under the central question: can Risk Management be successful concerning the reduction of the people´s Risk Perception of nuclear energy and nuclear accidents? it was attempted to find a first answer based on the analysis of newspaper articles and books. Thereby the role of the media and the psychology of the people is kept in mind. Although the accident in Chernobyl happened already 22 years ago, it left a lasting mark on the people´s perception of the safety of nuclear energy and nuclear power in general. The problems arising in the context of managing these risks are highlighted as well as the question whether and how these problems, if applicable, can be solved. Although the people are aware of the risk and the danger in which they resort themselves, some people decide to choose the contaminated zone around Chernobyl as a tourist destination. This seems especially paradox, because of the fact that those people settle for a risk they would actually be afraid of in everyday life. There are various explanations for this behavior called 'Dark Tourism'. The examination of this phenomenon will conclude the paper.