Using grounded theory to discover the preparation efforts and subsequent resiliency of populations with low socioeconomic status

摘要

Low income populations are disproportionately affected by the impacts of disaster. Research, education and understanding can lead to an alleviation of this imbalance. In this text, qualitative grounded theory methodology is used to develop a theory relating to how low income populations prepare for disaster and how this preparedness ultimately affects their resiliency. A small sample population of individuals from a moderate-sized community in the mid-South meeting the poverty guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services have participated in recorded interviews using guided questions. These interviews have been transcribed by the researcher, coded and interpreted to develop a theory that addresses this problem. Through conducting this research, gaps in the understanding of how individuals with low socioeconomic status prepare for disaster and what impact this preparedness has on their resiliency can be reduced.