”Universal” cultural factors in disasters

Brown (for literature reference see original source document) posits that a number of “cultural” factors are not unique to groups of people, but constitute “human universals”. These include gender roles, collective identities, body adornment, and attempts to control the weather and the existence of leaders, property, conflict, and marriage, for example. Brown also argues that these unique cultural aspects are in fact universal to all cultures, without exception. Gender roles are socially constructed, but are also influenced by culture and thus fall into a grey area.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Worldviews, Livelihoods, Power relations, Attitudes toward authorities, Gender roles, Customs/traditions/rituals

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens, Active citizens