Risk in Urban Life: A Sociological View

Urbanization as a consequence of modernity, while bringing welfare and facilities,has resulted in increased risks of life for human beings. Giddens and Beck are twosociologists who see the modern society as a risk society and have studied risk andits impact on social relations. One important part of risk studies is risk perception. Ithas psychological, sociological and economical approaches. The risk perceptionstudies can be utilized in policy making and planning, aiming at risk reduction.There are not ample evidences on social studies of urban risks in Iran. The currentstudies show that the Iranian citizens have a modern perception on manmade risksbut for economical and living problems the attention to risk reduction methods is notincluded in their priorities. Although the people have a strong tendency for trainingon risk reduction methods, but for structural and personal problems, the responsibleorganizations are not sufficiently prepared.