Social risk: to the definition of the concept

The present article attempts to give definition of the notion of social risk in modern society. Thorough interpretation of the theories of risk society let determine main components of social risk. The authors begin explaining their ideas from the analysis of the nature of "risk" category. Then, in terms of foreign and national scientific conceptions, the authors reveal the determining risk factors. Social risk which is initiated by social environment is typical for contemporary society. The peculiarity of cultural and historical development of society, social structure differentiation and complication led to rising level of uncertainty in modern society. The increase of individual responsibility for committed actions, as well as the influence of primary and referential social environment on decisions, stimulated the necessity to estimate one's own actions in the context of future consequences. The scientific reflection of philosophical, culturological and sociological theories of risk society allowed determining the main reason of social risk origin - it is the contradiction between the person who created an innovative social situation and the society oriented on rigid social policies, values and cultural traditions.