1.3. Cultural Research in Disaster Context

There is also sustainable livelihoods framework which talks about the asset framework where it is a different model in 1997, which they have developed how the individuals or groups access the resources which are basically assets to organize their livelihoods and how the capacities make them able to act engage and change the world.

The sustainable livelihoods framework emphasizes that individuals and groups can leverage various assets for their survival and betterment. The model developed in 1997 focuses on how resources, categorized as assets, enable people to improve their livelihoods. This means that households are not just surviving; they have the capacity to engage, adapt, and evolve based on their circumstances.

Consider a community that relies on fishing. Their assets might include boats, nets, knowledge of fishing spots, and access to local markets. By effectively using these assets, they can improve their fishing practices, increase their catch, and ultimately enhance their economic status.

But here, the thing is it is not just for the economic necessity where households or groups act upon. But it is with the cultural factors which people manage the results and make their livelihood choices to act upon.

While economic factors are important for making livelihood choices, cultural elements often play a significant role as well. People’s values, beliefs, and social norms influence how they decide to earn a living or what resources they prioritize. This cultural aspect can dictate everything from work ethics to the types of resources people deem important.

Imagine two communities in the same region. One may prioritize traditional crafts and artisanal work, valuing heritage and skill passed down through generations. The other community may focus on modern agriculture, influenced by external markets and economic benefits. These cultural perspectives shape their livelihood decisions significantly.

So, this is where I started reviewing a variety of literature starting from Bourdieu’s cultural capital... I try to adopt certain literatures and made a framework in my research, in order to understand the role of culture, in the disaster development process.

The section discusses how the author reviewed various literature focusing on cultural perspectives, particularly concepts like Bourdieu's cultural capital. This involves understanding how certain forms of cultural wealth, such as education, social connections, or heritage, affect individuals' capabilities and choices in disaster contexts. By employing a framework based on these findings, the author aims to incorporate cultural dimensions into disaster recovery research.

Think of cultural capital like a toolbox that individuals build over time. The more tools (skills, knowledge, social networks) someone has, the better equipped they are to navigate challenges in life, including recovering from a disaster. For instance, someone with strong educational background and community ties may have more opportunities during recovery than someone without those resources.

I have adopted Lim’s model of cultural environment... that creates an identity.

The author references Lim's model of cultural environment, which includes various cultural dimensions such as religion, family structure, and gender roles. These factors interconnect to shape a community's identity and their response to disasters. It's crucial to recognize how these elements influence not only how a community functions but also how they recover and rebuild after a disaster.

Consider a village where traditional roles dictate responsibilities; for instance, where men typically handle farming and women focus on home care. In a disaster like a flood, understanding these dynamics can help recovery aid providers target their assistance effectively, ensuring they respect cultural roles while helping the community rebuild.

So, mainly my argument lies on how the cultural dimensions of the local communities are not effectively and sufficiently addressed in the current post-disaster for humanitarian and development process.

The significant limitation identified is the insufficient attention given to cultural dimensions during post-disaster recovery efforts. Recognizing and integrating cultural factors can enhance not only effectiveness but also equity in humanitarian responses. If local cultures are ignored, recovery efforts may fail to resonate with communities, sabotaging long-term recovery and resilience.

Imagine a situation where recovery teams rebuild homes but neglect local architectural styles or community practices; this might lead to buildings that feel alien to the community. By incorporating cultural insights, recovery efforts can create spaces that respect and reflect the community's identity, thus making them feel more 'at home.'

How to understand the role of culture in the post disaster recovery process and its relation to the vulnerability, especially, in particular to the built environment of affected traditional settlements.

This chunk discusses the methods employed to investigate the relationship between culture and vulnerability in disaster recovery. The research looks at how built environments in traditional settlements are affected by disasters and subsequently how cultural factors can influence recovery outcomes.

For instance, in examining the aftermath of a hurricane that affected a historic New Orleans neighborhood, researchers might focus on how cultural heritage influences rebuilding decisions and community cohesion. They may find that restoring homes to their original states helps people feel connected to their history, leading to a quicker and more cohesive recovery.

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