Assessing the impact of vulnerability on perceptions of social cohesion in the context of community resilience to disaster in the Blue Mountains

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of network communications, community participation and elements of vulnerability on the perception of social cohesiveness in the Blue Mountains local government area (Blue Mountains LGA). Design: A questionnaire was administered to residents of the Blue Mountains LGA. Econometric analysis of the resulting data was undertaken. Setting: Blue Mountains LGA, Australia. Participants: One thousand one hundred and three residents of the Blue Mountains LGA responded to the questionnaire. Main outcome measure(s): The responses enabled the construction of variables measuring individual perceptions of community cohesiveness, their network communications and community participation. Demographic data and data on the vulnerabilities of individuals were also collected. Results: The data were used in an econometric model which identified that network communications and community participation impacted positively on perceptions of social cohesiveness while vulnerability factors had a negative impact. Conclusions: Remedial action to build community cohesiveness and network communications can be expected to have a positive impact on social cohesiveness. In developing strategies to build community cohesiveness and network communication, particular care needs to be taken to ensure the inclusion of those members of society who are regarded as the most vulnerable.

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“…Service disrupters such as pandemics, floods, droughts and fires not only bring their own mental health demands on communities and workers, 23 but they also put pressure on leadership and organisations 24 . Crises and disasters require rapid deployment and redeployment of personnel and resources.…”

Guide for community leaders to meet the challenges of personal preparation in the event of a disaster

“…Like a rudderless ship, a community in recovery will founder without the direction of strong and confident leadership. Community leaders have proved to be an integral part of the recovery of a community from a disaster 17 . They are instrumental in coordinating volunteers, distributing resources and providing support for vulnerable and marginalised community members 2 .…”

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