Labour

This research is motivated by observations (and prior research) that the integrity, resilience, and legitimacy of localized social institutions are crucial to explaining patterns of ecological, social and economic vulnerability, and hence damage, in the event of catastrophic events. More significantly this understanding is important in the context of recovery following the October 8th quake as its application in the long process of recovery can help to minimize vulnerability in the event of future quakes. The overall goal of the research is to comparatively analyze how institutional context and dynamics differentially contributed to the degree of vulnerability, and consequent damage, experienced in two affected communities. The results of this research will, we hope, contribute to the effective development of community-based disaster management plans in the earthquake-affected area and beyond. The approach is comparative and research will be based in two communities that were equally exposed to the severity of the quake but are distinguished by their institutional context.

Objectives

In adopting this approach, we have a number of related objectives:

To document the role of historical landscape and land use change in the production of vulnerability in two communities differentially affected by the earthquake;
To document the history of institutional change in the selected communities, and the processes that contribute to institutional resiliency and reproduction;
To assess the role of institutional context, (institutional context refers to the sphere of authority, processes of legitimation and material affect of institutional agency) in the production of vulnerability and the distribution of damage resulting from the October 8th earthquake, in the two communities under study.
To develop ongoing discussions with affected communities to identify how research results may help communities improve the resilience of institutions responsible for minimizing vulnerability; and identify mechanisms to implement the results of the research through convening joint community meetings to assess processes through which institutional strengthening might occur. Such institutional strengthening will serve as the basis for enhanced community-based disaster management planning. The outcomes of this work will also contribute to an improved capacity of the wider policy community to address community needs and interests.
To develop, in partnership with participating communities, mechanisms to engage affected communities in post-disaster recovery efforts and incorporate localized historical perspectives on the production of vulnerability and their role in mitigating future damage into such efforts.

Time line
One year (Aug.2006-Dec.2007)

Contact person: Shaheen Rafi Khan

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