DISASTER ANALYSIS
CJUS 383-B01: Behavioral Dimensions of Disaster
DISASTER ANALYSIS
Introduction
Since the fall of man, disasters have impacted many people and places all around the
world. Some Christians view disasters as divine judgements due to the sinful nature of humans.
Disasters are either natural, technological, or man-made. As Fischer states, “it is the disruption
of adherence to daily behavioral norms that renders the event a disaster.” [ CITATION Hen081 \
l 1033 ] Although disasters have been a problem since the beginning of time, within the last few
decades the affects of certain disasters have become a more serious problem for humans, the
environment, economy, and so forth. This has led to more efforts focused on disaster research
which are “studies that address the social and behavioral aspects of a sudden onset collective
stress situations typically referred to as mass emergencies or disasters.” [CITATION Mic13 \l
1033 ] This paper will briefly discuss the topics of prominent sociological theories, disaster
disruption, the types and influences of human behaviors in relation to disasters, comparison of
the United States’ disaster response to other countries’ response.
Sociological Theories
In the book titled , it is stated that “the sociological perspective Response to Disaster
provides us with insight into behavior and social organizations.” [ CITATION Hen081 \l 1033 ]
While conducting disaster research, it is imperative that one must consider and have at least a
basic understanding of various sociological paradigms. Sociological theories and insights allow
researchers and other individuals to answer questions of how or why people behave before,
during, and after disaster events. Everyone is socialized to follow group culture or the social
structure in which we belong to throughout our lives. Those groups and structures influence or
control our behavior, our roles in society, how we perceive ourselves, and are sources of required
