1.1. Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

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 a groups access the resources which are basically an assets to organize their livelihoods and how the capacities make them able to act engage and change the world.

The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework is a model developed in 1997, which emphasizes how individuals and groups access resources (assets) necessary for their livelihoods. It includes various types of assets, such as natural, human, physical, social, and financial capital, that people need to enhance their livelihoods. By effectively utilizing these assets, individuals and groups can engage with their communities, make choices, and enact changes in their lives and surroundings.

Think of a farmer who wants to improve their livelihood. They have access to land (natural capital), knowledge of farming techniques (human capital), tools and equipment (physical capital), a supportive community (social capital), and savings (financial capital). By using these various assets, the farmer can efficiently cultivate crops, support their family, and contribute positively to their community.

Tony Lloyd Jones and Carole Rakodi also propose that there is also the futures like how the infrastructure and development has an impact in those access to these assets and the vulnerability context. As well as the livelihood opportunities and also the policies and the institutions, how these actually make the individual or the groups to act upon.

Tony Lloyd Jones and Carole Rakodi highlighted that infrastructure and developmental aspects significantly affect how individuals and groups access resources. Their framework considers the vulnerability context, which refers to external factors that may limit access to assets and opportunities, such as policies, institutions, and societal conditions. Understanding the way these factors interplay is crucial for individuals to successfully navigate and improve their livelihoods.

Consider a community trying to establish a small fish farming operation. If there are good roads and transport facilities, the community can easily sell their fish in a nearby market. However, if local policies restrict their fishing practices or if there is poor infrastructure, they may struggle to access the market and thus face challenges in building a sustainable livelihood.

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.

The framework discusses that decisions about livelihoods are not driven solely by economic needs. Cultural factors also play a crucial role. These include traditions, social norms, and community values that influence how people manage their resources and make choices regarding their livelihoods. Understanding these cultural contexts is vital for addressing the unique needs of different communities.

Imagine a community that grows crops not just for sustenance, but to honor their cultural traditions during festivals. Their decision to cultivate a certain type of grain is influenced by cultural significance, rather than just market demand. This shows that cultural values can impact economic activities.

So, I am looking from my ontological perspective, the built environment perspective and especially, in a disaster context, so that is where I started reviewing a variety of literature starting from Bourdieu’s cultural capital.

The concept of cultural capital, developed by Pierre Bourdieu, is examined to understand how cultural knowledge, skills, and education can influence individuals' capacity to access resources and improve their livelihoods. In the context of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, cultural capital is crucial because it shapes how individuals interact with their environments, particularly in times of disaster. An awareness of local cultural values and practices can significantly impact recovery efforts.

Consider two communities hit by the same disaster. One community leverages its strong cultural ties and knowledge to rebuild quickly, relying on traditional building techniques and shared resources. The other community, lacking similar cultural cohesion, might struggle more with recovery. This emphasizes the role of cultural capital in resilience and recovery.

So, I have adopted Lim’s model of cultural environment. Which she calls it is a kind of matrix of religion, ecological environment, economy, family structure, kinship, gender roles, politics, cultural interaction.

In analyzing the role of culture in livelihood strategies, Lim's model provides a comprehensive framework that includes various elements like religion, ecology, economy, family dynamics, gender roles, and political structures. This matrix emphasizes the complexity and interconnectedness of these factors in shaping how communities approach livelihoods within different contexts.

Think of a school where students come from diverse backgrounds. One student may feel more comfortable participating in group activities due to a supportive family structure, while another may struggle due to strict cultural norms at home. Understanding these dynamics helps educators tailor their approaches according to each student's cultural context, just like how communities need to consider multiple aspects of their culture to effectively develop their livelihoods.

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