anthropological approaches to risk

Anthropological approaches to risk examine how different cultures perceive, experience, and respond to dangers. These perspectives recognize that what one society considers risky or threatening may vary based on beliefs, values, and social contexts. Anthropologists study how cultural practices, traditions, and social structures shape understanding of hazards—such as health, environmental, or social risks—and influence behaviors. This approach highlights that risk is not just a scientific fact but also a socially constructed concept deeply tied to identity, power, and cultural meaning, providing a nuanced view of how humans navigate uncertainties in their environments.