Title: Risk, uncertainty, and government /
Authors: O'Malley, Pat.
Publisher: GlassHouse,
Year: 2004
Subjects: Risk assessment Government policy.; Risk management Government policy.; Uncertainty Government policy.; Political science.; Risk assessment.; Risk management.; Uncertainty.
Abstract: "Both risk and uncertainly are neo-liberal concepts, which can be viewed as complementary techniques for governing diverse aspects of life, rather than natural states of things. This new book examines the way these constructs govern the production of wealth through 'uncertain' speculation and 'calculable' investment formulae. The way in which risk and uncertainty govern the minimisation of harms through insurance and through the uncertain practices of 'reasonable foresight' is also discussed."
Contents: 1. Risk, uncertainty and government -- 2. From independence to social security -- 3. Enterprising liberalism -- 4. Uncertainty, liberalism and contract -- 5. Risky contracts : gambling, speculation and insurance -- 6. Insurance, actuarialism and thrift -- 7. Risk, crime control and criminal justice -- 8. Risking drug use -- 9. Risk, uncertainty and freedom.