Community Disaster Vulnerability: Theory, Research, and Practice

Zakour, Michael J./ Gillespie, David F.

ISBN 10: 146145736X / ISBN 13: 9781461457367

Published by Springer Verlag, 2012

About this Item

250 pages. 9.75x6.50x0.75 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # x-146145736X

Bibliographic Details

Title: Community Disaster Vulnerability: Theory, ...

Publisher: Springer Verlag

Publication Date: 2012

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Brand New

About this title

Synopsis:

Disaster vulnerability is rapidly increasing on a global scale, particularly for those populations which are the historical clients of the social work profession. These populations include the very young and very old, the poor, ethnic and racial minorities, and those with physical or mental disabilities.  Social workers are increasingly providing services in disasters during response and recovery periods, and are using community interventions to reduce disaster vulnerability. There is a need for a cogent theory of vulnerability and research that addresses improved community disaster practice and community resilience. Community Disaster Vulnerability and Resilience provides a unifying theoretical framework backed by research which can be translated into knowledge for effective practice in disasters. 

From the Back Cover:

Large-scale disasters--Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 tsunami, the BP oil spill--are enduring reminders of the fragility of our natural resources, our built environment, and our human communities. Particularly apparent is how much longer recovery takes for some survivors than others--and that some never recover at all.

Community Disaster Vulnerability offers a deeply nuanced understanding of how disasters affect at-risk populations such as the poor and the elderly, beginning with factors that contribute to disaster risk. Its focus on the complex layers of disruption caused by disasters links research findings across disciplines and levels of intervention. Concepts and models are included that systematically explain the sociopolitical aspects of disasters and identify relevant interventions for bolstering community resilience, providing social support, and distributing post-disaster resources. These practical applications of the theory propose methods of proactive planning for and responses to natural, manmade, or hybrid crises. This far-reaching volume: 

• Introduces a general framework for disaster vulnerability theory.
• Explains social development and resilience perspectives as they relate to vulnerability theory.
• Illustrates the use of geographic methods in describing the locations, depth, and extent of disaster vulnerability.
• Examines cross-sectional research designs and linear statistical models in community disaster vulnerability research.
• Applies a system dynamics simulation model to disaster policy and planning.
• Features a detailed model of vulnerability and resilience factors in disasters.

Skillfully blending analysis, empathy, and practicality, Community Disaster Vulnerability will advance the work of human service personnel, emergency managers, and professionals in social work education and research.