Full Description
Synthesizing critical perspectives on the impact of disasters with regard to social inequality, this book brings together key insights from political ecology and historical materialism. Querying assumptions about the "normal" conditions of life, it examines the exploitative structures and practices that shape everyday life using theoretical approaches such as rhythmanalysis, metabolic rift theory, and conjunctural analysis. While focusing on enduring historical processes that foster unequal social and ecological relationships in the present era, this book argues for a more expansive consideration of disasters, including within its scope catastrophes associated with structural violence, social conflict, war and destitution.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Wreckage upon Wreckage
Chapter 1. A Critical Disaster Studies Framework
Chapter 2. The Everyday and the Systemic
Chapter 3. Rhythm, Rift, and Conjuncture
Chapter 4. Time and Life in the Precarious Present
Chapter 5. Modernity, Development, and Underdevelopment
Chapter 6. Humanitarianism
Chapter 7. The Lāhainā Wildfires of 2023: A Case Study
Conclusion: Disasters, Imperialism and the Climate Emergency
References
Index
