Disasters are part of the modern condition, a source of physical anxiety and existential angst, and they are increasing in frequency, cost and severity. Drawing on both disaster research and social theory, this book offers a critical examination of their causes, consequences and future avoidance.

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Reviews

“A very interesting book that reviews a large amount of literature, both theoretical and conceptual, and re-presents this in an accessible manner. … It will be of interest to those working in the field of disasters as it brings together rich description of the work of a number of key researchers into one text. … To those sociologists who have not yet engaged with the issue of disaster, you could start nowhere better than with this text.” (Sarah Bradshaw, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 122 (4), January, 2017)

'A book that drills to the heart of one of the characteristic, but unremarked features of present times: disaster glut. In a richly documented, eminently readable text, Matthewman explodes the twin mystique that disasters are either natural or random events [ ] This is Sociology as it should be: a book that shows how, and why, we are brain-blind about the operation of power and influence in framing our comprehension of the real world [ ] a book to admire and relish by anyone interested in understanding the way we live now.'- Chris Rojek, City University London, UK

'A great read, sharp and entertaining, with an expanded view of disasters. Vivid accounts of familiar and unfamiliar ones are used to open up new theoretical approaches in an under-theorized field. The inclusion of neglected slow, hidden disasters strengthens the emergence of the "new-normal" view and its global significance.'- Charles Perrow, Yale University, US

“To those sociologists who have not yet engaged with the issue of disaster you could start nowhere better than with this text.” (Sarah Bradshaw, Middlesex University London, UK)

Authors and Affiliations

University of Auckland, New Zealand

Steve Matthewman

About the author

Steve Matthewman is Associate Professor in Sociology, Department of Sociology, University of Auckland, New Zealand. He is an established writer and co-editor, and has over 12 years' experience teaching introductory level sociology courses across various institutions in New Zealand

Bibliographic Information

Book Title: Disasters, Risks and Revelation
Book Subtitle: Making Sense of Our Times
Authors: Steve Matthewman
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137294265
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan London
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social Sciences Collection, Social Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2015
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-137-29425-8Published: 09 August 2015
eBook ISBN: 978-1-137-29426-5Published: 29 April 2016
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XI, 204
Topics: Social Theory, Environmental Policy, Sociology, general, Environmental Sociology, Terrorism and Political Violence, Political Communication

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Table of contents (9 chapters)

Front Matter

Back Matter

About this book