Natural hazard events and social capital: the social impact of natural disasters

Abstract

This study investigates if and to what extent natural disasters affect social capital. Twelve different events in Europe are examined in a quantitative analysis, using data derived from the European Social Survey and the EM-DAT International Disaster Database. The study uses social trust as an indicator of social capital and offers evidence that a change in social trust is a possible occurrence during or after a disaster, but that it is not an inevitable consequence of it. The results reveal that social trust decreases after a disaster with a death toll of at least nine. Changes in social capital, therefore, are found to be more probable as the severity of the event increases. National, rather than regional, disasters lead more frequently to significant shifts in social trust. This evaluation of 12 separate cases pinpoints several disasters that have had an effect on social trust, but it does not identify any general patterns, underlining the significance of contextual dependency.

Epidemics and trust: The case of the Spanish Flu

“…This literature, however, has focused on natural disasters, and not on epidemics or pandemics. Moreover, disasters of different kinds also produce different consequences for trust (Albrecht, 2017; Skidmore & Toya, 2014). In other words, not all natural disasters would necessarily reduce social trust.…”

Integrating mental health and disaster preparedness in intervention: a randomized controlled trial with earthquake and flood-affected communities in Haiti

“…The strength of a community's social networks and the extent to which it operates cohesively can affect the well-being of individual community members, as well as the ability of the entire community to address natural hazards through coordinated efforts (Nakagawa and Shaw, 2004; Rodriguez et al ., 2006; Afifi et al ., 2012; Adeola and Picou, 2014; Toya and Skidmore, 2014). However, disasters may disrupt social networks, interfering with support and undermining trust (Oyama et al ., 2012; Albrecht, 2018), so increasing vulnerability when future disasters occur. Group interventions which emphasize exchange of peer-support and encourage peer-based help-seeking and help-giving may enhance social cohesion and social support (Layne et al ., 2001; Hogan et al ., 2002), so benefiting both preparedness and mental health outcomes.…”

An integrated approach to mental health and disaster preparedness: a cluster comparison with earthquake affected communities in Nepal

“…The strength of a community’s social networks and the extent to which it operates cohesively may affect the wellbeing of individual community members, as well as the ability of the entire community to address natural hazards through coordinated efforts [ 29 – 34 ]. However, disasters may disrupt social networks, exceeding the ability of individuals and the community to cope, interfering with support, and undermining trust [ 35 , 36 ]. Group interventions enhancing social cohesion and encouraging peer-based help-seeking and help-giving, may encourage resilience in communities facing natural hazards.…”