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Risk and security studies, social resilience, risk communication
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doc. dr. Jurgita Jurkevičienė
prof. dr. Aistė Balžekienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Risk and Security Studies aims to develop a holistic approach to risk and security, integrating political, environmental, technological, social dimensions in order to understand the interrelationships between contemporary threats and risks, their impact on social systems, and the specificities of governance and communication, as well as to provide evidence-based recommendations to policy makers for building societal resilience to risks and crises. The underlying concept of this theme is that of systemic risk, which is characterised by high levels of uncertainty and insecurity, impacts on multiple social systems and structures, and a high level of public anxiety about negative consequences. The relevance of the theme is reflected in the systemic crises of recent years, the renewed concern for the resilience of societies and individuals, and the need for targeted risk communication. Research issues in this topic include research on risk perception and its determinants, analysis of risk communication, research on the risk discourse constructed by the media, and the search for forms of risk governance involving communities and the third sector. The research theme is characterised by a variety of methodological approaches, interdisciplinary research methodologies, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research strategies, and the use of modern data analysis techniques (both quantitative and qualitative), such as spatial analysis techniques, participatory mapping or multilevel modelling.
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Environment and society, social transformations in climate crisis
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prof. dr. Aistė Balžekienė
prof. dr. Audronė Telešienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Research on this topic focuses on the relationship between environment/nature, technology and society. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are causing what the global expert discourse refers to as the 'triple planetary crisis' (e.g. UNFCCC, https://unfccc.int/blog/what-is-the-triple-planetary-crisis). The unmanageable development of technology is creating additional tensions and new challenges to social order and structures. These interlinked challenges threaten human well-being and are becoming intractable barriers to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The overall aim is to draw on sociological knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches to explain the changes taking place, the risks (for a democratic, safe and sustainable society) and to propose data-driven solutions to ensure well-being, increase resilience and strengthen civil society both in Lithuania and internationally.
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