Latino social network dynamics and the Hurricane Katrina disaster

The aim of this qualitative research was to examine the dynamics of existing and emerging social networks among Latino survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Data were generated through individual, in‐depth interviews conducted with 65 Latinos within six months of the storm striking the Gulf Coast of the U...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disasters 2012-01, Vol.36 (1), p.101-121
Main Authors: Messias, DeAnne K. Hilfinger, Barrington, Clare, Lacy, Elaine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Barriers
Citizenship
Climate change
Computer networks
Constraints
Cyclonic Storms
Decision making
Disaster management
Disaster Planning - organization & administration
disaster preparedness
Disasters
Dynamics
Emergency preparedness
Female
Gulfs
Hispanic Americans
Hispanic Americans - psychology
Hispanic Americans - statistics & numerical data
Hispanic/Latinos
Humans
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricanes
Immigrants
Information
Louisiana
Natural disasters
New Orleans
Poverty
Qualitative Research
Resources
Social dynamics
Social interactions
Social networks
Social organization
Social psychology
Social Support
Southeastern United States
Storms
Strategy
Survival
Survivors - psychology
Survivors - statistics & numerical data
Transport
Transportation
U.S.A
Victims
Young Adult
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Summary:The aim of this qualitative research was to examine the dynamics of existing and emerging social networks among Latino survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Data were generated through individual, in‐depth interviews conducted with 65 Latinos within six months of the storm striking the Gulf Coast of the United States in August 2005. The findings illustrated both the role of social networks in gathering information, making decisions and accessing resources, and how these existing social networks were disrupted and strained by overwhelming needs. Broader structural issues, including poverty and a lack of transportation, combined with marginalised status as immigrants, further constrained access to essential information and resources. In response, new, if temporary, social networks emerged, based primarily on shared nationality, language, and a sense of collective commitment. Practice implications include the need to consider the social network dynamics of marginalised groups in developing innovative strategies to overcome structural barriers to accessing resources essential for disaster preparedness and survival.
ISSN:0361-3666
1467-7717
DOI:10.1111/j.1467-7717.2011.01243.x