Permanent Link:

Material Information

Title:
Perspectives on social vulnerability
Creator:
Koko Warner
Publisher:
United Nations University—Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Munich Re Foundation
Publication Date:
Copyright Date:
2007
Language:
English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Risk management ( lcshac )
Poverty ( lcshac )
Sustainable development ( lcshac )
Genre:
non-fiction ( marcgt )

Notes

Summary:
This is a multidisciplinary compilation of articles examining the state of research on social vulnerability. The authors seek to establish a common understanding of definitions and theories related to social vulnerability, as well as promote methodologies that reliably measure the phenomenon. The document begins by discussing what social vulnerability is, who is disproportionately affected, and why dealing with mitigation from this perspective is distinct from disaster risk reduction more broadly. Social vulnerability refers to the inability of people to bear the negative impacts emanating from the multiple points of harm to which they are exposed. This perspective looks at how vulnerability is often inherent in the makeup of sociopolitical relations, institutionalized practices, and normative values. The first section after this introduction discusses various theoretical frameworks for thinking about social vulnerability. The authors address the role of knowledge and perceptions in the ability and inability of a society to mitigate against disaster. The second section uses case studies to examine factors that contribute to social vulnerability. One case shows how social ecological factors contribute to social vulnerability. Another depicts how culture and traditional forms of social capital can help build resilience to disaster. A third case underlines the role of politics in exacerbating the vulnerability of marginal groups. The final section looks at practical applications of research in social vulnerability, highlighting the use of GIS technologies in reducing exposure. It also depicts how integrating social vulnerability into policy leads to more resilient civil societies. Disasters are not purely natural events, but rather the products of the particular societies in which they occur. In some cases vulnerability is the result of a community’s experiences not being indicative of the potential for disaster. In others, unequal provision of rights, resources, and access must be taken into account. There are issues related to having adequate knowledge of risks but not applying such information efficiently. Often knowledge relevant to reducing vulnerability that can be gained by looking at the experiences and lessons that regular people have is ignored in favor of technical fixes. To understand vulnerability, we must look at historical, cultural, social, and political processes in a holistic manner. A comprehensive solution to dealing with vulnerable populations must include good governance, environmentally sustainable policy, and equitable economic and social development.
Subject:
Sociology
Subject:
Anthroppology
Subject:
Poverty
Citation/Reference:
Warner, K. (Ed.). (2007). Perspectives on social vulnerability. United Nations University—Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Munich Re Foundation.

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Rights Management:
Refer to main document/publisher for use rights.
Resource Identifier:
FI13042566

dpSobek Membership

Aggregations:
Disaster Risk Reduction