Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Social Work, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Policy, Human Rights
ISBN: 9780826135391
Google: QUoUEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Published: 2021-05-13T04:24:56+00:00

Mrs. Bailey is an example of how the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of a disaster, with health and behavioral health consequences in addition to concerns regarding transportation, mobility, safety, and security. We will return to the narrative of Mrs. Bailey later in our discussion. Next, let us consider how the experience of disasters may be different for a poor family.

Impoverished Families

Socioeconomic status (i.e., social class) is typically defined as a location in the social and economic hierarchy that reflects a combination of income status, educational attainment, and occupational prestige (Kraus et al., 2017). Social class can also include the presence of social capital, which refers to resources (e.g., information, influence, financial capital, emotional support) available through a person’s networks (Manstead, 2018; Pitkin Derose & Varda, 2009). While multiple social classes may characterize an individual during their lifetime, socioeconomic status often has long-lasting effects on people’s personal and social identity. Class influences a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in response to social environment (Dorius, 2018; DuPont et al., 2015; Kraus et al., 2017; Manstead, 2018). For example, evidence suggests that individuals with lower income are less likely to invest in renters’ or homeowners’ insurance (Insurance Information Institute, 2019), which most certainly would affect their ability to recover from a natural disaster.

Families with limited income typically struggle to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters (Brown, 2008; SAMHSA, 2017). Not surprisingly, because they lack financial resources, these families are not likely to have extra food or supplies on hand when a disaster hits. They may also have inadequate resources, such as a personally owned vehicle or money to pay for travel, to evacuate when needed. Like older adults, people of low socioeconomic status will be less prepared for disasters, unable to respond to official warnings about disasters, and more vulnerable to adversity during the recovery phase (Al-Rousan et al., 2014; Fothergill & Peek, 2004; SAMHSA, 2017). As mentioned, families with limited income may be unable to afford sufficient insurance that would support them in rebuilding their homes following a disaster. The inability to rebuild increases their risk of homelessness or dislocation (Brown, 2008; SAMHSA, 2017). Losses that cannot be replaced can cause families extreme distress and feelings of hopelessness (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2003; SAMHSA, 2017).

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