Ethical analysis of risk communication concerning alcohol
This project examines how Swedish authorities and regions communicate the risks of alcohol to both adults and children. By analysing the messages from an ethical perspective, the project aims to develop a model that can help assess and improve future risk communication.
Details
- Period: 2025-05-01 – 2027-04-30
- Budget: 292,820 SEK
- Funder: Systembolagets Alkoholforskningsråd
- Type of funding: Project grant
How are the risks of alcohol communicated – and is it ethically sustainable?
This project analyses Swedish risk communication about alcohol from an ethical perspective. The WHO has identified trust and confidence as central to effective risk communication. Ethically legitimate risk communication—one that considers various aspects, such as the risk of harmful stigmatisation and unnecessary concern—is therefore essential for maintaining or increasing public trust in authorities.
The project examines themes in communication materials published by relevant Swedish authorities and the 21 Swedish regions. These themes are analysed using ethical values and norms, such as justice and solidarity.
The study focuses on general risk communication targeted at the public as well as messages specifically aimed at children. It is unique in its combination of empirical thematic analysis of risk messages and critical ethical evaluation. The project aims not only to contribute to academic discussions but also to develop a practical analytical tool that can be used to enhance trust in authorities.
Key research questions
Risk communication to the adult general public:
- What messages concerning the risks of alcohol consumption do Swedish government agencies communicate to adults?
- Do the messages to adults, explicitly or implicitly, refer to ethical concepts, values and norms?
- Are there potential dilemmas between different ethical values and norms in communication regarding alcohol consumption?
- How should risk communication concerning the risks of alcohol consumption be designed in order to be ethically legitimate and justifiable?
Risk communication to children:
- What messages concerning the risks of alcohol consumption to Swedish government agencies communicate to children?
- Do the messages to children refer to ethical concepts, values and norms?
- Are there potential dilemmas between different ethical values and norms in communication regarding alcohol consumption, given that children are both vulnerable and increasingly autonomous?
- How should risk communication concerning the risks of alcohol consumption be designed in order to be ethically legitimate and justifiable, given that children are both vulnerable and increasingly autonomous?
People in the project
Jessica Nihlén Fahlquist
Teaches ethics at the molecular biology and medical doctors programmes. Senior lecturer in biomedical ethics and Associate Professor in practical philosophy, with a research focus on moral responsibility in various fields.
