Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town

By Laura Hart | Publisher: Rutgers University Press

About the book

In disease cluster communities across the country, environmental contamination from local industries is often suspected as a source of disease. But civic action is notoriously hampered by the slow response from government agencies to investigate the cause of disease and the complexities of risk assessment. 

In Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town, Laura Hart examines another understudied dimension of community inaction: the role of emotion and its relationship to community experiences of social belonging and inequality. Using a cancer cluster community in Northwest Ohio as a case study, Hart advances an approach to risk that grapples with the complexities of community belonging, disconnect, and disruption in the wake of suspected industrial pollution. Her research points to a fear driven not only by economic anxiety, but also by a fear of losing security within the community—a sort of pride that is not only about status, but connectedness. Hart reveals the importance of this social form of risk—the desire for belonging and the risk of not belonging—ultimately arguing that this is consequential to how people make judgements and respond to issues. Within this context where the imperative for self-protection is elusive, affected families experience psychosocial and practical conflicts as they adapt to cancer as a way of life. Considering a future where debates about risk and science will inevitably increase, Hart considers possibilities for the democratization of risk management and the need for transformative approaches to environmental justice.

Editions of Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town

Paperback
ISBN 9781978823532
EBook
ISBN 9781978823556
PDF
ISBN 9781978823570

Read an Excerpt

In disease cluster communities across the country, environmental contamination from local industries is often suspected as a source of disease. But civic action is notoriously hampered by the slow response from government agencies to investigate the cause of disease and the complexities of risk assessment. 

In Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town, Laura Hart examines another understudied dimension of community inaction: the role of emotion and its relationship to community experiences of social belonging and inequality. Using a cancer cluster community in Northwest Ohio as a case study, Hart advances an approach to risk that grapples with the complexities of community belonging, disconnect, and disruption in the wake of suspected industrial pollution. Her research points to a fear driven not only by economic anxiety, but also by a fear of losing security within the community—a sort of pride that is not only about status, but connectedness. Hart reveals the importance of this social form of risk—the desire for belonging and the risk of not belonging—ultimately arguing that this is consequential to how people make judgements and respond to issues. Within this context where the imperative for self-protection is elusive, affected families experience psychosocial and practical conflicts as they adapt to cancer as a way of life. Considering a future where debates about risk and science will inevitably increase, Hart considers possibilities for the democratization of risk management and the need for transformative approaches to environmental justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town about?

In disease cluster communities across the country, environmental contamination from local industries is often suspected as a source of disease. But civic action is notoriously hampered by the slow response from government agencies to investigate the cause of disease and the complexities of risk assessment. 

In Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town, Laura Hart examines another understudied dimension of community inaction: the role of emotion and its relationship to community experiences of social belonging and inequality. Using a cancer cluster community in Northwest Ohio as a case study, Hart advances an approach to risk that grapples with the complexities of community belonging, disconnect, and disruption in the wake of suspected industrial pollution. Her research points to a fear driven not only by economic anxiety, but also by a fear of losing security within the community—a sort of pride that is not only about status, but connectedness. Hart reveals the importance of this social form of risk—the desire for belonging and the risk of not belonging—ultimately arguing that this is consequential to how people make judgements and respond to issues. Within this context where the imperative for self-protection is elusive, affected families experience psychosocial and practical conflicts as they adapt to cancer as a way of life. Considering a future where debates about risk and science will inevitably increase, Hart considers possibilities for the democratization of risk management and the need for transformative approaches to environmental justice.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town?

Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Industrial processes > Environmental science, engineering and technology > Pollution control

Where can I read a sample of Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781978823532

Is Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Nature, Society, and Culture

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town?

Laura Hart

Who is the Publisher of the book Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town?

Rutgers University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town is available as paperback(ISBN 9781978823532) and ebook(ISBN 9781978823556) and pdf(ISBN 9781978823570)

Where can I buy Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Risk and Adaptation in a Cancer Cluster Town?