Elaine Enarson

Through women's eyes : A gendered research agenda for disaster social science

Gender is a central organising principle in social life and hence in disaster-affected communities, yet gender issues are rarely examined by disaster scholars or practitioners. Building on findings from emerging and industrial nations, three key research directions are identified: How is gendered vulnerability to disaster constructed? How do gender relations shape the practice of disaster planning and response in households and organisations? How are gender relations affected over time by the social experience of disaster? The discussion suggests how analysis of the gendered terrain of disaster both develops disaster theory and fosters more equitable and effective disaster practice.

International perspectives on gender and disaster: Differences and possibilities

This article provides an introduction and assessment of the English and Spanish literatures on gender relations in disaster contexts. We analyze regional patterns of differences and similarities in women’s disaster experiences and the differing research questions raised by these patterns in the scholarly and practice‐based literature. The analysis supports the claim that how gender is theorized makes a difference in public policy and practical approaches to disaster risk management. We propose new directions in the field of disaster social science and contribute a current bibliography in the emerging gender and disaster field.

Gender and Disaster: Foundations and New Directions for Research and Practice

Past research clearly demonstrates that gender influences resources, capacities, decision-making processes, and outcomes throughout the disaster lifecycle, as well as the practical management of disaster risk, response, and recovery structures. Now well-established in disaster science, gender analysis has grown in scope and influence over the past decade. This chapter updates the authors’ earlier review, again focusing on English-language peer-reviewed materials relating to natural, technological, and intentional hazards and disasters. The authors reflect on the diverse theories and methods shaping contemporary research, and synthesize key international findings about mortality, health, and well-being; gender-based violence; family and work; and grassroots change. They further highlight three critical lines of inquiry now emerging regarding sexual minorities, masculinities, and climate change in gender and disaster research. The chapter concludes with research recommendations and with strategies for utilizing new knowledge about gendered vulnerability and resilience to reduce risk, minimize losses, and decrease suffering in disasters.

Gender Dimensions of Building Code Disparities in Natural Disasters: A United States Perspective

Abstract There is concern that the social norms shaping codes, and thereby differential disaster impact, response and recovery, have not been considered by structural engineering professionals, just as the built environment has not been sufficiently addressed in social vulnerability theory and practice. This paper raises the hypothesis that there are social biases embedded in building codes that could be significant throughout the disaster cycle, suggesting exploration of the interface of social and structural concerns in the promotion of disaster resilience. Gender should be highlighted because of its importance and inter-connectedness with other social markers.