Risk Communication as a Societal Function System

This study advances the thesis that modern society, confronted with uncertainties generated by its own decisions, has differentiated an autonomous risk system to observe and manage such uncertainties. Drawing on Niklas Luhmann's social systems theory, it develops theoretical grounds for this claim and identifies several independent functions of the risk system. The contribution is fourfold: (1) conceptualizing the risk system as an independent object of study establishes clear analytical boundaries; (2) situating risk theory within general social theory enables comparative analyses that expand theoretical horizons; (3) framing risk as a systemic phenomenon provides an integrative, interdisciplinary basis for reflexive engagement; and (4) formalizing risk as an autonomous function system advances Luhmann's theory of functional differentiation. By systematizing risk in this way, the article offers a new lens for understanding uncertainty and sets out future research agendas for risk systems theory.