Abstract
This article applies sociological frameworks to the study of disaster risk, examining how social structures, inequality, and community organisation mediate vulnerability and resilience in the face of natural hazards. Through case studies of flood-affected communities in Romania and Bulgaria, the research demonstrates that disaster impact is fundamentally shaped by pre-existing social conditions.
Key Findings
- Socioeconomic inequality is the strongest predictor of differential disaster vulnerability within communities
- Social capital and community networks significantly enhance resilience and recovery capacity
- Marginalised populations face compounded disadvantage through both higher exposure and lower recovery resources
- Institutional trust affects community engagement with disaster preparedness programmes
Methodology
Comparative case study analysis of four flood-affected communities, combining quantitative damage assessment data with qualitative household interviews and community-level social network mapping.
Implications
The findings argue for integrating social vulnerability analysis into disaster risk reduction strategies, moving beyond purely technical approaches to address the social determinants of disaster impact.
