The perception of causes of natural disasters from primitive to modern societies

It is usually said that the past human generations in their "primitive stages" of evolution have been dominated with magic and superstition (e.g. Frazer, 1890; Malinowski, 1948), which implies that the idea of nature was a social and political creation. Within this mindset, and in search of explanation, every disaster had its meaning, and someone to blame (see also Diamond, 2012). Therefore, traditional societies invented mysterious connections between moral transgressions and illnesses, and natural disasters. This means that nature was also "heavily politicized in the past", while modern societies, due to the advancement of science, view nature as "morally neutral" (Douglas & Wildavsky, 1982, p. 29).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Worldviews, 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, National civil protection body, Local authorities, Active citizens, Entrepreneurs, Media, Government, National research bodies, Red Cross, NGOs, Military, Law enforcement agencies, Healthcare and emergency services, European Civil Protection Mechanism, UN and other international organisations, All types of actors