Brent K. Marshall

Ecological Disaster as Contextual Transformation Environmental Values in a Renewable Resource Community

The biophysical context and contextual change have significant economic, cultural, social, and psychological consequences for individuals and communities. Although acknowledging the importance of the biophysical context for theoretical and conceptual issues, social science research typically is conducted as if context does not matter. The authors discuss the relevance of context and outline research that examines the effects of context through assumed contextual variation, subjective contextual variables, objective contextual variables, and temporal contextual variation. The authors hypothesize that an ecological disaster occurring in a community where people are connected to the biophysical environment and ecological processes will result in the adoption of a more ecological worldview. This hypothesis is tested by analyzing data collected in the renewable resource communities of Cordova and Petersburg, Alaska, in the aftermath of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The authors find support for this hypothesis and provide suggestions for future research.

SOCIAL IMPACTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA ON DISPLACED K–12 STUDENTS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN COASTAL ALABAMA COUNTIES: SOME PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS

Hurricane Katrina devastated communities along the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Gulf coast. Over 300,000 students were displaced and evacuees relocated throughout the United States. K–12 schools in Mobile and Baldwin counties, situated along coastal Alabama, hosted 3,681 students from the devastated areas. From an analysis of quantitative data and qualitative information obtained from school personnel, we summarize problems and issues that characterized displaced students, families, and host schools. Suggestions for immediate and long-term support for host K–12 schools and displaced families are provided along with suggestions for future research.

TERRORISM AS DISASTER: SELECTED COMMONALITIES AND LONG-TERM RECOVERY FOR 9/11 SURVIVORS

The purpose of this article is to apply what social scientists have learned from decades of research on natural and technological disasters to better understand the short-term and potential long-term human impacts of the 9/11 attacks. The short-term response to the 9/11 attacks was similar to how people and communities typically respond to natural disasters. One year after the attacks, news reports suggest that factors identified in technological disaster research as causing collective trauma, rather than recovery, are beginning to surface. We identify three patterns typically present in (but not restricted to) the aftermath of technological disasters that contribute to slow recovery and ongoing collective trauma and evaluate the likelihood that these factors will impact the recovery process for those impacted by the 9/11 attacks. We conclude that due to perceptions of governmental failure, the likelihood of protracted litigation, and uncertainty regarding the mental and physical health of victims, the social and psychological impacts of the 9/11 attacks will likely be severe and long-term. As such, the concluding section recommends the implementation of a long-term clinical intervention program for mitigating these potential chronic impacts and facilitating the timely recovery of survivors.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: DOES REPRESENTATIVENESS MATTER?

ABSTRACT The main focus of this research is on the changing role of citizen participation in natural resource management. Evidence suggests that citizens who participate in the management of natural resources are not representative of stakeholders who are impacted by the decisions being made. In an effort to assess the representativeness of citizen participation, we conducted telephone surveys of “residents” who live in the watershed of Tennessee Valley Authoritys (TVA) Norris Reservoir and “participants” in TVAs Norris Public Lands Plan. As hypothesized, we found participants to be older, disproportionately male, more educated, and more affluent, and as having higher levels of political efficacy and trust in government than residents. Exploratory analyses revealed many other significant differences between participants and residents. We conclude by suggesting that increased and representative citizen participation is necessary for the successful implementation of an ecosystem-based approach and to address problems associated with non-point source pollution. Funds for the collection of data were provided by the Waste Management Research and Education Institute (WMREI), a state sponsored Center of Excellence at the University of Tennessee. Appreciation is expressed to David Feldman, Sherry Cable, and Chip Hastings for their support of this research. The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and opinions expressed do not reflect the position of the WMREI or the University of Tennessee.

Environmental Risk Perceptions and the White Male Effect: Pollution Concerns among Deep-South Coastal Residents

Recent research in the United States reveals that although men are more accepting of risk than women, and Whites more accepting of risks than non-whites, more notable patterns lie at the intersection of race and gender. Evidence of the white male effect has been found in both national and local samples. The present study examines the environmental risk perceptions of deep-South coastal residents in counties adjacent to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. These areas are characterized by heavy industrial pollution and significant airborne mercury fallout, resulting in numerous health advisories regarding fish consumption. The analysis supports a growing body of literature that finds, compared to other race-gender groups, white males are more accepting of environmental risks, especially those risks posing a threat to human health and safety. The significance of the white male effect for policy and future applied risk research are discussed, and suggestions for future research are presented.

Contemporary conceptions of environmental risk: Implications for resource management and policy

Recent theoretical development in environmental sociology has focused on the concept of “risk.” Macro- and middle-range theoretical conceptualizations relevant to understanding environmental risk and resource depletion have emerged from Europe and the United States. We review five theoretical approaches to the environment–society relationship and identify convergent characteristics relevant for resource management in the modern world. These characteristics suggest goals for resource management should include expanded discursive systems, a more informed public and building institutional trust.

POST-KATRINA GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF DISASTER SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

Sociological Spectrum Mid-South Sociological Association Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713666965 POST-KATRINA GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF DISASTER SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH Duane A. Gill a; Lee Clarke b; Maurie J. Cohen c; Liesel A. Ritchie d; Anthony E. Ladd e; Stephen Meinhold f; Brent K. Marshall g a Mississippi State University, b Rutgers University, c New Jersey Institute of Technology, d University of Colorado, e Loyola University New Orleans, f University of North Carolina Wilmington, g University of Central Florida,