'Sharing is caring': Making sense of risk perception of young adults living in the municipality of Sittard-Geleen in proximity of Chemelot
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2024-07-17
Language
nl
Document type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Title
ISSN
Volume
Issue
Startpage
Endpage
DOI
Abstract
This thesis explores how young adults in Sittard-Geleen perceive and understand risks in their living environment, focusing on the Chemelot chemical industries in the south of the Netherlands (Province of Limburg). Using participant-driven photo elicitation (PDPE) and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the research examines perceptions of safety and unsafety in a region facing environmental, economic, and technological challenges.
Findings reveal that young adults primarily associate risk with declining liveability and economic security, reflected in concerns in the public environment. Chemelot itself is perceived more as a symbol of economic opportunity than a direct threat. Those reflexively engaging with Chemelot through their own photographs exhibited greater awareness of potential risks, yet acceptance dominated due to the plant’s role in economic stability.
Applying Ulrich Beck’s risk society theory, the study highlights how young adults navigate uncertainties by prioritising immediate socio-economic needs over abstract industrial risks. However, their detachment from the region may shift risk perceptions over time.
The research recommends including young adults in local risk policy discussions and further quantitative studies on youth, trust, and risk perception.Limitations of the homogeneity of the participant group and the focus on general safety and unsafety perceptions rather than specific risk scenarios
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen