Disaster = event that ruptures human society = happens in the world, just with greater intensity
Neither have recourse to politics
Culturalizing Disaster - zeitgeist - the mood of particular period of history - beliefs of the time
Politics Produce Disasters - not an event but decisions that are made with repercussion
ANT -accidents= ant remains intact, disaster = ant collapses
What holds society together?
Naturalizing Disaster - increase in disasters over time but a decrease in number of people killed. more disasters because there's more awareness to disasters? Fewer people killed because we're better equipped to deal with disasters?
Civil War - Virginia, World War - China
Who should be responsible for action? How does society distribute preparedness? How should collectives make decisions regarding risks? How should the world be rebuilt?
Blame the Press
Disasters Produce Politics - accepts disasters as events, how does politics respond?
Trump in a power struggle with govenors
Presidential Election Year
Disaster is starting point. Emergencies used to impose stricter rule on population or push political agenda.
one direction sidewalks
mask wearing
PPE
testing
Covid 19 Disaster
Influenza killed 26,339 – 52,664 in 2018-19 (preliminary season data)
Politicizing Disaster - disasters produce politics, politics produce disasters
Prior to disaster - risk and preparedness
racism, income inequality, healthcare - is this a bad thing to use moments where dysfunction is brought to light to improve policy
politics plays middle man between our imagination and event. Preparedness creates politics without the disaster even happening
Social Movements
Social movements are challengers, producers and advocates of science&tech
Research priorities
Professional practices
Research methods
Tech development
Market development
Risk assessments
Public policy
Health
Female reproductive health
Civil rights movement - racial integration of healthcare system
Environmental - pollution, environmental justice, conservation
Nuclear power - alternative energy
GM crops - sustainable agriculture
Green business networks
Peace & Other
Anti-war tactics - chemical, biological weapons
Nuclear war
Internet - cyberwar
Open source software
Scientists prefer to participate as unbiased - peer-reviewed sources of information rather than become mired in politics. Often this happens without intention when scientists are experts on issues and called upon
Is it our "imagination" or are we in the disaster now? What social movements are taking place?
Climate Change Disaster