The views of experts and residents on social vulnerability to flash floods in an Alpine region of Italy

De Marchi, B. & Scolobig, A. (2012). The views of experts and residents on social vulnerability to flash floods in an Alpine region of Italy. Disasters 36 (2) 316-337. 10.1111/j.1467-7717.2011.01252.x.

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Abstract

This paper reports on research work performed for Floodsite - a European Community-funded project on the social aspects of vulnerability in the Adige/Sarca river basin of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, Italy. It identifies some limitations to the use of a fixed set of indicators, which fail to account for either local peculiarities or the intangible aspects that contribute to the shaping of social vulnerability. The authors employed a number of methods to investigate the opinions of professionals and residents on risk and safety, distinguishing between the individual and the institutional components of social vulnerability. Adopting a systemic perspective, they explored the interactions between these two elements, showing how they may give rise to unexpected phenomena. The "safety paradox" and the "efficiency paradox" are discussed, emerging when increased protection provided by structural devices and dedicated institutions translates into a lack of awareness and agency on the part of residents.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Efficiency paradox; Flash floods; Individual vulnerability; Institutional vulnerability; Italy; Safety paradox; Social vulnerability
Research Programs:	Risk & Resilience (RISK) Postdoctoral Scholars (PDS) Risk, Policy and Vulnerability (RPV)
Bibliographic Reference:	Disasters; 36(2):316-337 (April 2012) (Published online 13 October 2011)
Depositing User:	IIASA Import
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2016 08:46
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2021 17:22
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/9997

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