How Social Factors Affect How Communities Prepare and Cope with Natural Disasters

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April 6, 2020
Summary and Critical Analysis
Climate change has led to drastic shifts in the weather and other environmental processes that increased the number of natural disasters such as typhoons, hurricanes, and drought, among others. While most studies have focused on the need for sustainable development methods, other studies have also suggested that policies in risk reduction should also address societal inequalities. This is particularly the case considering that the differences in economic and social capital can increase the risks for people who are considered as minorities. Upon reading the articles, what is apparent is that this problem in social inequality is so pervasive that it requires the participation of all stakeholders (especially the minority sector) in all phases of the planning processes such as risk reduction, response planning, and recovery.
Effects and Perceptions of Social Factors
Addressing issues of inequality in disaster preparedness requires not only the social factors involved but also the relationship between perception and preparedness of those affected by the calamity. On the one hand, a study conducted by Van Zandt, Peacock and Henry, showed that social factors such as crime, poverty, and unemployment, among others, can lead to higher vulnerabilities for coastal communities during natural disasters. Additionally, these factors can also lead to a lesser capability for minorities to recover in the aftermath of disasters. This problem was reflected during the aftermath of Hurrican Ike, wherein the minimal involvement of those living in the community led to more severe damages and lesser capability to address the situation quickly.
On the other hand, it is also worth noting that ‘perception of equality’ does not guarantee safety. In one study conducted by Ajibade, McBean, and Bezner-Kerr, the authors have shown that despite the perception of ‘gender equa...