4.1. Human Capital

On the other hand, we have external one which we cannot less control, is an exogenous variable. What are they? External variables is considered in this double structure of vulnerability as exposure. So, exposure to what, some shock or some events like it depends on what kind of shocks, is it natural phenomena or some epidemics or not merely a kind of special exposure but how defenseless like I am for that one.

This chunk introduces the concept of external vulnerabilities, defined as factors beyond individual control that contribute to a person's exposure to risks. These factors are referred to as exogenous variables and include natural disasters, epidemics, and social conditions. The degree of defensiveness or helplessness in the face of these external shocks also plays a crucial role in assessing vulnerability.

Imagine a community located in a flood-prone area. Despite their best efforts at preparedness, they are vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy rains. Here, the rain represents an external shock that they cannot control, highlighting their defenselessness in such circumstances.

So, double structure of vulnerability, two components; one is the exposure one and this exposure one according to Bohle that we can understand this exposure context from 3 different dimensions. One is human ecological perspective, population dynamics, capacity to manage the environment, population growth, and how human ecology is looking at population growth and the capacity to manage the environment.

This chunk discusses the double structure of vulnerability comprising exposure and coping capacity. According to Bohle, exposure can be examined through three dimensions: the human ecological perspective, which focuses on population dynamics and environmental management. It highlights how different factors influence people's ability to cope with vulnerabilities and manage their environments effectively.

Consider a village that has a growing population but lacks infrastructure to support it. As the population increases, the stress on resources rises, making them more vulnerable to food shortages. In contrast, a village with sustainable resource management would be better equipped to handle such growth.

And also the entitlement theory, the capacity theory and that the people have for control and to get to secure the means of their economic needs. And also the political-economic approach like the question of inequalities or disparities of assets, the power structures. So, these issues, these approaches, should be considered when we are talking about exposure.

This section introduces entitlement and political-economic approaches, emphasizing the importance of control over resources to meet economic needs. It addresses how inequalities and power structures create disparities among individuals and impact their exposure to vulnerabilities. Understanding these frameworks is essential for analyzing the root causes of vulnerability.

Imagine two communities: one with access to education and healthcare (strong entitlement), and another with significant economic disparity and poor infrastructure. The first community is better equipped to manage economic shocks, while the second remains vulnerable due to limited resources.

Well to understand people's coping, we can also borrow the ideas from crisis and conflict kind of studies, who have the access to assets and resources and how it matters of conflict between individuals and groups or maybe sometimes action theory approaches, how people act, react frequently as a result of socio-economic and governmental constraints and model access to assets like a mitigation of vulnerability through access.

This chunk highlights how insights from crisis and conflict studies inform our understanding of coping mechanisms during vulnerable situations. It examines how individuals’ accessibility to assets and resources can lead to conflicts and impact their ability to manage vulnerability. The reactions of people are shaped by socio-economic challenges and government policies, which can either mitigate or exacerbate vulnerabilities.

In conflict zones, access to clean water can lead to disputes between communities. Those with better access to resources are more likely to cope effectively, while those lacking support may face further vulnerability, demonstrating how resource access impacts community dynamics.

There is another more prominent and very popular conceptual idea of vulnerability is the sustainable livelihood framework. It is not really on vulnerability, but they are one of the pioneering approach that define and quoted the vulnerability and which was now very regularly used in disaster risk and other risk management.

This chunk introduces the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, which identifies vulnerability in the context of people’s livelihoods rather than just disasters. Pioneered by Robert Chambers and Conway, this framework emphasizes that vulnerability should be assessed from the perspective of individuals' livelihoods and their ability to sustain them amidst external shocks.

Think of a farmer who relies solely on seasonal rainfall for crops. If a drought occurs, their livelihood is at stake. In contrast, a farmer who employs irrigation techniques has a more sustainable livelihood, as they can adapt to adverse weather conditions.

When they are talking about vulnerability, it did not came from, did not come from the disaster perspective, but they are talking defining poor people and their livelihood in case of development and people at the center of their model. People should be put into the center of the development...

This section discusses how the Sustainable Livelihood Framework connects vulnerability to people's livelihoods. It emphasizes placing individuals at the center of development efforts and understanding that their vulnerability is linked to their capacity to sustain and manage their livelihoods against various shocks and trends.

A community that actively participates in local development initiatives can improve its resilience against threats like market fluctuation, creating a more robust livelihood that withstands external pressures and reduces vulnerability.

So, vulnerability context is defined with 3 characteristics that people are at vulnerable because shock, trends, and seasonality...

This chunk outlines the characteristics that define a vulnerability context, namely shocks, trends, and seasonality. These elements shape the risk environment individuals face, influencing their livelihoods and exposure to vulnerabilities.

Consider a farmer who faces seasonal price fluctuations for crops. In one season, prices are high; the next, they plummet. This variability creates a climate of uncertainty that contributes to their vulnerability in planning for the future.

So what are the shocks? One is the natural shocks like flood, drought, and cyclone. And health shocks like epidemic like cholera or even dengue let us say, or economic shocks like some financial recessions...

This section identifies various types of shocks that contribute to individuals' vulnerability: natural shocks (e.g., floods, droughts), health shocks (e.g., epidemics), and economic shocks (e.g., financial crises). Recognizing these shock types is vital for understanding how they impact people's capacity to cope with adversities.

Think of a family that loses income due to an economic recession. If an economic downturn occurs, it might lead to job losses, making them more vulnerable to other negative events, such as a health crisis.

Now, this vulnerability context actually, this is the poor people and is affecting their household capacity or their own individual capacity. So, they have actually different kind of capitals or capacities. One is a human capital, social capital, financial capital and physical capital.

This chunk discusses how vulnerability is associated with various forms of capital that individuals and households possess, including human, social, financial, and physical capital. The levels of these capitals determine how people navigate vulnerabilities and respond to shocks.

Consider two individuals facing the same economic downturn. One has strong educational qualifications (human capital) and a supportive social network (social capital), enabling them to find alternate job opportunities. The other lacks these resources, making them more vulnerable to job loss.

So, how one look into these livelihood assets or capitals? Livelihood assets we say that there are 5 capitals; human capital, social capital, physical capital, financial capital, and natural capital.

This section introduces the five types of capitals within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework: human, social, physical, financial, and natural capital. Understanding these capitals is crucial for analyzing individual vulnerability and coping strategies.

A community rich in natural capital (like fertile land) can sustain agricultural practices better than one with poor natural resources. This advantage boosts their economic stability and reduces vulnerability to food insecurity.

And human capital; knowledge and skill like education or good health I am capable person, nutrition I am getting enough food, nutritious food, ability to labor I can work, I can give my labor...

This chunk details what constitutes human capital, emphasizing knowledge, skills, health, and nutrition. These elements are vital for individuals to perform labor effectively and adapt to different situations, defining their ability to withstand vulnerabilities.

Consider a person with a university degree and good health. They have better job prospects and the ability to adapt to changes in the job market compared to someone with less education and health issues.

And social capital, of course my network, network works very well, my human networks, connections with each other or membership in a group...

This section explains social capital, which encompasses an individual's networks and relationships. The strength of these connections plays a vital role in vulnerability, as they can provide support during crises and opportunities for success.

Think of a student who is part of a tight-knit community. This student benefits from shared resources, mentorship, and emotional support during challenging times, making them less vulnerable to academic pressures.

If I am outcasted, I am not included in any particular group then I feel that I am isolated; I have less capacity to absorb the shocks or absorb the threat...

This final chunk highlights the importance of trust and mutual support within social capital. Without these elements, individuals may feel isolated, making them more vulnerable to external threats and shocks due to the absence of cooperation and resources.

Envision a team project at school. A member who feels excluded and untrusted may struggle to contribute effectively. In contrast, an inclusive team encourages collaboration, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

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