Role in a risk society: how women bear a disproportionate burden, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Ulrich Beck’s theory of "Risk Society" describes a shift from an industrial society to one increasingly shaped by technological and environmental hazards.

  • Events like Chernobyl disaster, COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change expose how modern risks disproportionately impact vulnerable groups.

  • Women bear a heavier burden due to inequalities in access to healthcare, education, economic resources, and safety.

Detailed Insights:

• Evolution of Risks:

  • Pre-industrial era: risks were natural and localized (e.g., famines, epidemics).

  • Industrial society: rise of man-made risks through technological and economic activities (e.g., nuclear accidents, pollution).

  • Risk society: globalised, systemic risks like climate change, pandemics, and economic crashes.

  • Gendered Dimension of Risk:

  • Women face greater vulnerability to environmental and health risks due to caregiving roles, lack of access to resources, and socio-economic marginalization.

  • Disproportionate burden seen in sectors like water collection, household energy use, and post-disaster recovery.

  • Impact on Health and Economy:

  • Contaminated resources lead to direct health impacts on women and children.

  • Economic instability forces women into precarious, informal work settings, heightening vulnerabilities.

  • According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), anemia affects 57% of women in India, compared to 25% of men, illustrating gendered health outcomes.

  • Natural vs Manufactured Risks:

  • Natural risks: earthquakes, floods, diseases.

  • Manufactured risks: technological disasters, climate change, environmental degradation — affecting women disproportionately.

Significance:

• Highlights the intersection of gender, environment, and economic vulnerability.

  • Urges the need for gender-sensitive disaster management and climate resilience policies.

  • Reveals how systemic inequalities intensify the impact of modern global risks.

  • Emphasizes building inclusive frameworks in risk governance and development planning.

Mains Mock Question:

"Critically analyse how the concept of 'Risk Society' explains the disproportionate burden borne by women during environmental and technological crises. Suggest policy measures to address these vulnerabilities."