Rethinking Community Resilience: The Politics of Disaster Recovery in New Orleans

Rethinking Community Resilience explores the unintended consequences of civic activism in a disaster-prone city, showing that recovery efforts can exacerbate existing race and class inequalities and put disadvantaged communities at risk.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: New York University Press

After Hurricane Katrina, a surge of civic activism swept through the disaster-prone city, with thousands of people mobilizing to rebuild their neighborhoods. Government organizations, nonprofits, and other major institutions played a significant role in this recovery effort, providing assistance and resources to those in need. However, in her book "Rethinking Community Resilience," Min Hee Go argues that these recovery efforts may not always be the solution they appear to be and can, in fact, exacerbate the city's susceptibility to future environmental hazards.

Drawing upon extensive research, including interviews, public records, and other sources, Go delves into the hidden costs of community resilience. She reveals that, despite good intentions, the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina exacerbated existing race and class inequalities, placing disadvantaged communities at greater risk. This is because the rebuilding process often prioritized certain neighborhoods over others, leading to the displacement of residents and the concentration of environmental hazards in marginalized areas.

Furthermore, Go argues that when governments, nonprofits, and communities invest in rebuilding rather than relocating, they inadvertently lay the groundwork for a cycle of vulnerabilities. This is because the physical infrastructure of the city may be altered in ways that make it more susceptible to future disasters, such as flooding or landslides. Additionally, the social and economic dynamics of the community may be disrupted, leading to increased social tensions and economic inequality.

As cities grapple with the challenges of climate change adaptation, rather than prevention, "Rethinking Community Resilience" provides valuable insights into the challenges communities face in the twenty-first century. Go highlights the need for a more holistic and equitable approach to recovery and development, one that considers the long-term impacts of environmental hazards and the needs of all residents.

In conclusion, "Rethinking Community Resilience" is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional wisdom of recovery efforts after disasters. By exploring the unintended consequences of civic activism in a disaster-prone city, Go sheds light on the hidden costs of community resilience and provides a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479804900