Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory for modelling community resilience to natural disasters

Abstract

This paper advocates the use of Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory as a framework to analyse resilience at diverse scales. Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory can be employed to (a) benchmark social resilience, (b) target the priority interventions required and (c) measure progress arising from these interventions to enhance resilience to natural disasters. First, the paper explores resilience to natural disasters in the context of climatic change as building resilience is seen as a way to mitigate impacts of natural disasters. Second, concepts of resilience are systematically examined and documented, outlining resilience as a trait and resilience as a process. Third, issues arising in relation to the measurement of resilience are discussed. Fourth, Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory is described and proffered to model and assess resilience at different scales. Fifth, studies are described which have supported the use of the bioecological systems theory for the study of resilience. Sixth, an example of the use of Bronfenbrenner's theory is offered and the paper concludes with suggestions for future research using Bronfenbrenner's theory.Keywords Resilience · Natural disaster · Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory · Community · Climate change 1 IntroductionThe world's climate is experiencing marked changes (IPCC 2007). These changes are set to be accompanied by an increase in the number and severity of natural disasters such as floods and droughts and present a need to formulate policy to deal with these predictions (Bosomworth and Handmer 2008;Bosher et al. 2009; COAG 2009;McBean and Rodgers 2010). In Australia, and elsewhere, we need to be prepared for rapid onset events such as wildfires, cyclones and floods and slow onset hazards such as drought.Emergency Management considers resilience essential for safeguarding communities or building safer communities. Disaster resilience is seen as a quality, characteristic or result that is developed by processes that foster or promote it. The ability of an individual, group, community or nation to deal with unique destabilising situations, or disaster resilience, is also seen as the …'shield', 'shock absorber' or buffer that moderates the outcome to ensure benign or small-scale negative consequences. Indeed, the goal of disaster risk management is to guarantee minimal loss of life and livelihoods and to allow the affected community or system to return to 'normal' within the shortest possible time. (Manyena 2006: 438) Prosser and Peters (2010) remind us that to support a disaster-resilient community, studies must focus on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Current Emer-gency Management policy in Australia (COAG 2009) and internationally (Berkes 2007;Folke et al. 2003; Tompkins and Adger 2004) concurs, asserting that building resilience into communities is essential in order to cope with climate change and concomitant natural disasters. This paper advocates the use of 2 Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory as a framework to analyse com...

How to Achieve Local Resilience to Flood Risks by Increasing Solidarity: The Example of the “Syndicat Mixte” (Inter-Municipal Cooperation Structure) of the French Territory of Belfort-Montbéliard

“…For public manager, the question of the information is essential. The resilience may be approached as a global way with and through social networks and social interactions [23] [43] [44]. Resilience to disaster may be conferred from any level in a geographical community [12] [45]- [47].…”

“…The method used is to develop a diagnosis protocol for a territory by investing in previously collected data but also by immersing ourselves in the territory in order to meet a range of local actors (Figure 2). The aim of this immersion is to form an idea of ways of perception and appropriation of the territorial instruments so called public policies tools by the stakeholders of the community as defined by Boon et al [23].…”

Exploring the Demands on Nurses Working in Health Care Facilities During a Large-Scale Natural Disaster

“…The bioecological theory was also used by Boon, Cottrell, King, Stevenson, and Millar (2012) to develop a tool to model and assess community resilience at an individual and community level to natural disasters. These authors used their framework to hypothetically test an Australian community to the effects of a disaster.…”

Resilience among people who face natural disaster

“…Resilience has always been a subject of research in response to stress and trauma while research on the baseline resilience in human subjects and resilience in the wake of health and disease has been understudied. 3 The scientific study of resilience is enormously vexing and complex. When studying the response of human beings and their resilience to trauma it is paramount to have a valid and acceptable definition of resilience.…”