Cultural approach to the perception of risk: analysing concern about the siting of a high-level nuclear waste facility in Finland

Abstract

A study of local residents' attitudes toward the siting of a high-level nuclear waste facility in Finland was undertaken in three municipalities (Eurajoki, Kuhmo and Aänekoski) that are being considered possible host communities for the facility. The results of the survey show that opposition to the facility is quite strong in two of the three municipalities, while in the third a polarization of opinions into two opposing camps is evident. The size, social structure and substance of the local opposition and support are analysed. The thesis of the paper is that in order to understand different opinions about the facility, one must understand the cultural logic of risk perception. People evaluate the risk as individuals, but also as members of different reference groups and in the context of local, national and international circumstances.