ABSTRACT

          A THEORETICAL APPROACH TO FEAR AS A SOCIAL PRODUCT

This article supports the thesis that fear is a social product and brings up theories and analyses that deal in detail with the sociological dimension of this emotion, namely the sociology of emotions, and the culture of fear.

The sociology of emotions brings into question the predisposition of individuals to develop a certain level of fear according to their own cognitive patterns, the resources available for expressing emotional states, existing social norms, while the culture of fear approaches this emotion as a result of the influences of sociocultural contexts and circumstances in which fear is produced and distributed.

As an ever-changing social product, fear is analyzed through defining concepts such as risk, uncertainty, or trust. Thus, an awareness of individuals on the dangers, risks, but also the confrontation with uncertainties generates a high level of fears and worries. Similarly, a lack of trust in a society fuels a growing fear culture.

As a defining feature of modern society, fear is present in any context, regardless of the profile of individuals or the nature of social relationships in that context. Thus, individual and collective efforts are directed towards managing fears, preventing the expected impact of risks and dangers felt.

Keywords: fear, the sociology of emotions, the culture of fear, risk, uncertainty.

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