Natural disasters encourage solidarity while technological disasters create a rigid community

If the risk is perceived as human-caused, it provokes tendencies to aggression and social/political action (Bohm & Pfister, 2000). This is in line with studies showing that blame, mutual recrimination, and conflict are the most often consequences of man-made disasters (Freudenburg, 1997; Furedi, 2007). In other words, while natural disasters often lead to solidarity, “technological disasters help create a corrosive community” (Furedi, 2007).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values

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

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action