Redefining Citizen Preparedness Through Social Practice Theory – Implications for Preparedness Policy

Citizen preparedness has gained increasing prominence on political agendas in recent years, signalling a growing emphasis on individual responsibility within emergency management. Research has shown that contemporary preparedness policies typically frame this responsibility as an active state of awareness and readiness. In Scandinavia, national authorities have sought to promote such awareness through targeted communication campaigns. In 2024, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark distributed nationwide information leaflets recommending concrete preparedness measures. This article uses these leaflets to illustrate the prevailing preparedness paradigm and critically assesses its strengths and limitations. Drawing on existing research that conceptualises preparedness as embedded in social practices, the article argues for a shift in policy approach. Social practice theory views human behaviour not as a series of isolated decisions informed by available information but as routinised performances shaped by socially shared practices. From this perspective, enhancing citizen preparedness requires recognising the everyday contexts in which people manage risks. The article discusses the policy implications of applying a practice-theoretical lens to citizen preparedness. It concludes that this reframing offers a foundation for more effective and socially attuned policies to strengthen citizen preparedness.