Disaster Management Theory
Critical Analysis on Divergent and Developmental Theories concerning Disasters
The world has experienced variations in terms of change especially during the industrial revolution with outstanding changes in technology, the economy, social issues and even the political arena. Different scholars have divergent and developmental theories concerning disaster. Weber carefully notes that culture is not the sole determinant for change; he adds that spiritual and material interpretations can be linked to development. According to Marx and Weber, the divergence relations among the socio-economic classes were based on development. In his capitalism developmental theory, Marx knew that this would build up wealth (McEntire, 2004). Capitalism was determined as necessary evil. Consequently, poverty is not the only estimated cause of disaster as explained by Marx and Weber; there are other factors that cause disasters that may include illiteracy and uncivilized societies that are not necessarily under poverty. Dennis Mileti’s school of thought is however appropriate in this case, as we view that culture may be a hindrance to development and therefore a cause to disaster. Hewitt’s approach of the whole matter is very ambiguous as he claims that the diverse activities of human beings cause calamity. There is some truth in this but the whole concept is not entirely true. Human activity can equally be the cause of development (McEntire, 2004).
The Need to Blend and Integrate Theoretical Approaches into Disaster Management
It is believed that everything is in constant change. This is true but to state that there is no end to growth and development is questionable in that it is believed that everything that has a beginning has an equal end. All the approaches toward disaster management are linked to a common goal. Each of the mentioned approaches by the equipped scholars has its drawbacks. We can relate poverty to disaster in certain circumstances, like hazardous living conditions. It is therefore necessary to blend these approaches so that future disasters maybe easily avoided. Governments should not overlook the importance of alleviation; every aspect should be considered (Santos-Hernandez, 2007). No individual would be put at risk without his or her awareness or authorization. Individuals and businesses should be aware and not fail to notice other factors that would cause disaster. Everyone is entitled to be aware of his or her respective environment.
Critical Analysis on the Radical and Conservative Approaches to Disaster Management and how each Approach can be Applied to International Disasters
Radical and conservative approaches to disaster management have there strengths and limitations. Looking at poverty as a fundamental aspect to disaster may overlook other factors that promote disaster, which may include its principles and approaches. Radical approaches put to jeopardy other possibilities of individual responsibilities for anyone that may cause disaster. The center on culture as a cause of disaster can be perceived as conservative (McEntire, 2004). Limited resources may equally be a cause to a major catastrophe.
The two approaches both have their strengths and limitations. It is sensible if any future development /disaster phenomena center their focus on the concept of vulnerability. Besides being the important point to put into consideration is vulnerability, which includes the ability to understand the relation between development and disaster (Santos-Hernandez, 2007. In this case both the conservative and the radical approaches can be applied during international disasters for example the rejection of short term goals and the acceptance of built a international database of disaster losses, in which people will be trained and educated on risks and hazards. Women and children should be involved in emergency management and not disregarded because of their low political status.
References
McEntire, D. A. (July 01, 2004). Development, disasters and vulnerability: a discussion of divergent theories and the need for their integration. Disaster Prevention and Management, 13, 3, 193-198.
Santos-Hernandez, J. M. (2007). Development, vulnerability, and disasters in the west coast of Puerto Rico. Retrieved from http://jensantos.net/presentations
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