One thing happens, and then another one comes right after.' Anthropological perspectives on vulnerability, resilience, and social justice for a Latinx community in post-Harvey Houston
Date
2020
Authors
Azadegan, Shadi, author
Browne, Katherine, advisor
Kent, Suzanne, committee member
Hempel, Lynn, committee member
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Abstract
The materially destructive and socially disruptive impacts of natural hazards run parallel to historical inequalities that put marginalized communities in harm's way. The purpose of this thesis project is to gain insights into the role that chronic disaster conditions play in actualizing acute disaster impacts. I begin with a discussion of anthropological perspectives on disaster vulnerability and resilience and explore social justice and capabilities theory as a starting point to improve disaster recovery approaches. I use this framework to analyze my findings from conversations with residents of a low-income Latinx community in Houston, Texas that was impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Next, I discuss the approaches to disaster recovery employed by government agencies and community-based organizations (CBOs). I conclude this thesis with a discussion of how government agencies and CBOs can apply these insights to better support marginalized communities during disaster recovery.