Disasters: A Sociological Approach

Disasters have social dimensions at their core, affecting populations differently. This book explores the social conditions and processes that produce disasters, including vulnerability, exposure to natural hazards, and emerging threats. It provides frameworks for understanding hazards and disasters and discusses the challenges of conducting research in the aftermath.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 22 February 2019
\n Publisher: Polity Press
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Disasters have profound consequences that extend beyond the immediate loss of lives and physical injuries. They also result in significant economic losses, causing widespread disruption and hardship for communities. However, it is crucial to recognize that the impact of disasters is not distributed equally across populations. Different social factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to resources, and social networks, can amplify the risks and consequences of disasters for certain groups.

At the heart of every disaster lies social dimensions. This book serves as a valuable resource in shedding light on the social conditions and global, national, and local processes that contribute to the occurrence and impact of disasters. It explores a range of topics, including the social roots of disaster vulnerability, the disproportionate exposure to natural hazards such as hurricanes and tsunamis as a form of environmental injustice, and emerging threats to global stability.

Written by a leading expert in the field, this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding hazards and disasters. It explores the contributions of various social science fields to disaster research, highlighting the evolution of these ideas over time. The book also delves into the challenges of conducting research in the aftermath of disasters and critiques the concept of disaster resilience, which has gained prominence in disaster risk reduction efforts.

Throughout the book, case studies, research examples, and insights from diverse disciplines are used to illustrate the social aspects of disasters and their relationship to broader social forces. This rich introduction serves as an invaluable resource for students and scholars interested in the social nature of disasters and their impact on society. By examining the social dimensions of disasters, we can better understand the factors that contribute to their occurrence, mitigate their consequences, and promote resilience and preparedness in vulnerable communities.

\n Weight: 604g\n
Dimension: 172 x 245 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780745671024\n \n