Worth making the point perhaps that while hazards may (or may not) be natural, disasters are, by-and-large, man-made as a result of decisions concerning resource allocations that are the product of power relations - that is to say they are the product of political decisions whether political with a big 'P' or a small 'p', as is the ability to even raise questions concerning resource allocations.
Such decisions are made every day and at all levels, (individual, household, community and society). Thus vulnerability and risk are never in stasis, but are essentially dynamic, nevertheless we see how, and over time, that certain individuals and groups within societies are consistently unable to radically move away from conditions of vulnerability. If vulnerability is to be addressed across societies it is important that power, powerlessness and the relative capacities of groups and individuals to influence resource allocations are also understood and addressed.
I might also reference Gaventa, J. (2006) Finding the spaces for change: A power analysis. IDS Bulletin 37(6): 23–33. View PDF and http://www.powercube.net/analyse-power/what-is-the-powercube/
All the best
Arthur
-----Original Message-----
From: Radix [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ben Wisner
Sent: Sunday, 27 September 2015 2:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Sendai framework drags old HFA definition of vulnerability like Marley's ghost his chains!
Dear Radixers,
I sent the attached short reflection on how one defines 'vulnerability' to folks at UNISDR on the eve of an inter-governmental meeting whose goal is to consider the terminology used in disaster risk reduction with a view to eventual common monitoring of the roll out of both the new Sendai Framework of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Words matter. Definitions (and corresponding models and framings) nudge people to questions some things and to ignore others. I find, regrettably, that on the eve of this meeting the technical review commissioned by UNISDR recommends using a definition of 'vulnerability' that steers people away from asking questions about power, about institutional failure and about intentionality.
My note, attached, is a quick read. I'd appreciate feedback, and also, if you are inclined, the diverse and deep experience of Radix participants since its founding in 2001 provide a credible basis from which to urge the UNISDR to take this opportunity to bring its definition of 'vulnerability' up to data.
Thanks and warmest regards,
BEN
Dr. Ben Wisner
Aon-Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre, University College London, UK & Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania & Environmental Studies Program, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
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