Insurance as Governance

This sociological study explores the insurance industry's influence on governance and daily life, highlighting its role in shaping economic policy through partnerships with governments and corporations, and introducing the concept of moral risk.

Insurance as Governance is a groundbreaking sociological examination of the insurance industry, exploring its profound influence on our institutions and daily lives. The authors, Ericson, Doyle, and Barry, argue that the insurance sector operates as a form of governance that extends beyond traditional state mechanisms, often in ways that remain largely unnoticed. Through extensive ethnographic research, the book delves into the intricate workings of the insurance industry, revealing its significant role in shaping economic policies in partnership with governments and corporations.

The authors introduce the concept of moral risk, highlighting how insurance companies not only manage risk but also contribute to the governance of society. This analysis provides a compelling case study of liberal governance, illustrating how the insurance industry promotes a liberal rather than welfarist approach to societal issues. The book positions insurance as a leading force in the liberalization of governance within postindustrial societies, making it a critical area of study for understanding contemporary social dynamics.

Overall, Insurance as Governance represents a unique integration of empirical data and theoretical insights related to insurance, risk, governance, and security. Its original approach and wide-ranging scope make it an essential read for scholars and students interested in the intersections of insurance and societal governance. As noted by prominent scholars, this work is poised to become a classic in socio-legal scholarship, significantly impacting how we perceive the role of insurance in modern society.