In the face of increase global environmental phenomena such as global
warming, social, political and knowledge structures are being reformulated in
order to better accommodate these events into governance frameworks. For
Ulrich Beck, increased risk has created a World Risk Society which is defined
by a state of 'reflexive' modernity (RM) where the central tenets of modernity
are re-examined and current developmental patterns are drawn into question.
In political and social discourse increased risk has created the need to
achieve a sustainable development (SD). In light of criticisms that Beck
makes broad and unsubstantiated theoretical assertions, this thesis examines
the proposition that the discursive rise of the concept of SD in political and
social governance structures is evidence of a reflexive modernity.
The above proposition is examined at both the global and the local scales
accessing the dimensions of politics, and sub politics outlined by Beck. At the
global scale, discursive representations of sustainable development were
examined within the United Nations during the 57th United Nations General
Assembly. At the local sub political level a partnership governance structure
is examined which was designed to enhance sustainable lifestyles. Findings
suggest that whilst a significant relationship does exist between SD and RM,
this relationship alters considerably from the global to the local scales of
analysis. Further, the process of exploring this relationship provides important
insights into the way that SD is being articulated in broad governance
structures