INTEGRATING QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGIES INTO RISK ASSESSMENT: INSIGHTS FROM SOUTH DURBAN

被引:5
作者
Brooks, Shirley [1 ]
Sutherland, Catherine [2 ]
Scott, Dianne [2 ]
Guy, Heli [3 ]
机构
[1] Univ Orange Free State, Dept Geog, ZA-9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa
[2] Univ KwaZulu Natal, Sch Dev Studies, Durban, South Africa
[3] Univ KwaZulu Natal, Sch Environm Sci, Durban, South Africa
关键词
risk management; urban risk assessment; qualitative methodology; lay knowledge; science and society; AIR-QUALITY; SCIENCE; POLLUTION; KNOWLEDGE; TRUST;
D O I
10.4102/sajs.v106i9/10.324
中图分类号
O [数理科学和化学]; P [天文学、地球科学]; Q [生物科学]; N [自然科学总论];
学科分类号
07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;
摘要
In the field of risk management, there is growing recognition that traditional tools of analysis may, be limited in their ability to arrive at a textured understanding of risk as it is actually experienced by, communities. This paper begins with the premise that risk is socially, constructed by, lay people, as well as by, scientists, and that this recognition has important implications for the development of risk management approaches. Technical risk assessments can be complemented by qualitative methodologies that are designed to reveal lay or local knowledge of risk. Such research tools were employed in working with respondents from residential communities in the highly industrialised South Durban Basin in KwaZulu-Natal. Here, as in other urban industrial contexts, risk is constructed by residents through their own experience and histories, their understanding of science, and their response to technical management tools. The qualitative approach adopted in this research provided new insight into residents' responses to chronic and acute risk, drew attention to a widening gap between people's actual experiences and the claims of science and risk management experts and exposed currently, hidden, everyday, risk narratives that are not directly related to the dominant environmental hazards connected with industry; but which significantly impact people's living environments.
引用
收藏
页码:55 / 64
页数:10
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