Deepening Our Understanding of Disaster Displacement: A Phenomenological Study of Sulphur, Louisiana

Climate-related disasters are increasing in the Anthropocene. A common outcome of disasters is displacement which complicates and extends recovery. Housing recovery is crucial to sustainable recovery. This thesis used a phenomenological framework to investigate the experiences of displaced persons in Sulphur, Louisiana, following Hurricane(s) Laura and Delta in 2020. An emphasis was placed on disaster displacement as perceived by those who experienced it to understand and address the challenges disaster survivors face during short and long-term recovery. The literature review provided a precursory explanation of relevant concepts to explain how disaster, vulnerability, resilience, recovery, and displacement were understood within the thesis. Whether voluntary or involuntary, displacement can be impacted by race, health, gender, social capital, and class.The central research question was: is the phenomenon of displacement experienced differentially among disaster survivors living in Sulphur, LA, following 2020’s Hurricane(s) Laura and Delta? The research was structured utilizing a qualitative methodology and an interpretive approach to inquiry. The primary method used was in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Most participants were women, all were white, and approximate ages ranged from 25 to 65. Several key themes arose from the data: social capital, access to resources, COVID-19, health, belonging, and compassion. The results of this study show that displacement was experienced differentially. The differences were caused by access to social and economic resources, health, and location. “Community” was broadly used by participants to discuss their support networks. Some recommendations for research and practice emerged: counseling as a standard practice, investing in social capital, using an equity lens, and further research. In the face of increasingly dangerous climate-related hazards, government assistance is needed to provide health care, basic necessities, and housing. Sustainable recovery requires long-term support networks that can identify and aid those most vulnerable to disaster impacts. Keywords: disaster, displacement, social capital, class, sustainable recovery, housing, health, community, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Sulphur, Louisiana, Covid-19

Author dc:creator

• Ewert, Maya

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Stukes, Patricia

• School of humanitarian studies

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-19233

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/27559