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Cultural Theory, as developed by Mary Douglas, argues that differing risk perceptions can be explained by reference to four distinct cultural biases: hierarchy, egalitarianism, individualism, and fatalism. This paper presents empirical results from a quantitative survey based on a questionnaire devised by Karl Dake to measure these cultural biases. A large representative sample (N = 1022) was used to test this instrument in the French social context. Correlations between cultural biases and perceptions of 20 social and environmental risks were examined. These correlations were very weak, but were statistically significant: cultural biases explained 6%, at most, of the variance in risk perceptions. Standard sociodemographic variables were also weakly related to risk perceptions (especially gender, social class, and education), and cultural biases and sociodemographic variables were themselves inter correlated (especially with age, social class, and political outlook). The authors compare these results with surveys conducted in other countries using the same instrument and conclude that new methods, more qualitative and contextual, still need to be developed to investigate the cultural dimensions of risk perceptions. The paper also discusses relationships between perceptions of personal and residual risk, and between perceived risk and demand for additional safety measures. These three dimensions were generally closely related, but interesting differences were observed for some risk issues.

Recounted is the development by major French firms & institutions of the AGORAMETRIE system, which analyzes & follows up public opinion about controversial matters in French society, drawing on annual comprehensive surveys of representative samples of the population. The theoretical basis of the system is presented, along with its application as a decoding tool to the analysis of specific social problems. Discussion includes: the modeling of public opinion through a constructivist approach; questionnaire design & interpretation of structural factors; evolution of public opinion, & effects of date, age, & generation; & application of the "grafting" procedure, illustrated by opinion about AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). 9 Tables, 8 Figures, 13 References. Adapted from the source document.