The influence of socio-economic status on citizen willingness to cooperate with authorities in case of a disaster

Regarding specific cultural factors in disaster response, practitioners recognised the ambivalent role of citizens’ socio-economic status: A higher socio-economic status was related to a greater willingness to cooperate with the authorities in case of disasters, but it was also seen as the potential cause for greater resistance due to “having a lot to lose”. On the other hand, a lower socio-economic status was associated with citizens’ greater indifference, but also with a greater flexibility due to “having nothing to lose”. A more important role was ascribed to the existence, or lack of, social networks, with social isolation seen to be a major risk factor across all social strata. Additionally, practitioners felt that in urban areas there is a tendency of citizens being less self-sufficient, and citizens “delegating” the care for their safety to the authorities.

Cultural Factors: Social exclusion, Social networks, Socio-economic status

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Preparedness, Response

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Government, Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Empower vulnerable groups (i.e. children, elderly, and people with disabilities) by including them in disaster management decision-making and actions