Fear Management: A Social and Ethical Perspective

Abstract

The article aims to analyse the mechanism of fear management, its psychological conditions, goals, and strategies from an ethical and social perspective and to propose practical ways of defending against this manipulation. During the research, the method of critical analysis of subject literature from the areas of sociology, psychology, ethics and theology was used. The broader background for the considerations was to show the importance of fear and anxiety in social life and to characterise two categories that appeared in the scientific and journalistic debate in the last decades of the 20^th century: the risk society, described by Ulrich Beck, and the culture of fear, independently presented by Frank Furedi and Barry Glassner. This procedure enabled us to examine fear, and the risks associated with it not only as natural emotions but also as social constructs, the sources of which are subject to dynamic changes. The conducted reflection also provided an opportunity to propose practical strategies for managing fear. A key role in this respect is played by the community as a space of support and acceptance, facilitating dialogue aimed at overcoming fear in interpersonal relationships, and conveying the Christian message of hope.