In a risk society, women bear a disproportionate weight.

• The concept of risk society, coined by Ulrich Beck, describes a shift from an industrial society to one shaped by uncertainty and hazards from technological and environmental developments.

• The focus shifts from wealth distribution to the prevention and management of risks, including health crises, pollution, and environmental degradation, that arise from modernisation itself.

Stages of Modernity

• Pre-industrial society: Characterised by a stable, agrarian economy with natural and localised risks.

• Industrial society: Introduced new risks like pollution, depletion of natural resources, and the development of riskier technologies.

• Risk society: Rapid pace of modernisation has resulted in a risk society, where risks are no longer seen as external threats but are increasingly generated by the systems intended to ensure development and security.

Natural versus Manufactured Risks

• Natural risks are unpredictable and often localised, while manufactured risks arise from human activities, especially technological and industrial developments.

• Manufactured risks often have global implications and are typically more difficult to predict, control, or mitigate.

Gendered Dimension of Risk

• In a risk society, the management of risks is central to both policy and daily life, but the burden is not equally distributed.

• Women, especially in developing countries, are often the primary caregivers and household managers, placing them at the forefront of risk mitigation.

• Women are more susceptible to health risks associated with environmental hazards, such as water pollution, contaminated air, and ecological imbalances.

Women and Economic Inequality

• Women’s economic position often exacerbates their vulnerability to the consequences of a risk society.

• Women have limited access to financial resources, land, and property, which limits their ability to recover from environmental or economic disasters.