The disaster sociology concerns itself with the social dimension of disasters - theoretically it belongs according to its definition characteristics rather into the general sociology, in the university everyday life it like a special sociology is treated.

Tasks

The subject of the disaster sociology in Germany were first questions of direct political concern. In view of its that 16 German Lands of the Federal Republic have 16 different legal definitions of "disaster" in the context of their disaster control legislation it was made, early (starting from 1971) at the later disaster research centre of the institute for sociology of the University of Kiel theoretical efforts to soziologisieren the term. But the "disaster sociology" (similarly as e.g. the "agrarian sociology") lies still faraway from the German sociological Mainstream; against working: Robert A. Stallings and others (see down: literature).

Terms

At present (2004) three sociological beginnings are to be lifted out to seize disaster sociological-conceptually which are compatible all only partly with one another and are actually only correct in the fact that "disasters" are designed in the social discourse (also in the colloquial):

In (in its origins - beginning with Enrico Quarantelli (see Emergentes organization network) - very pragmatically oriented) North American the Sociology OF Disaster is separated only recently catastrophe from more disaster, above all than over-local social cross-linking from local harming events.

In Germany disaster is sociologically very differently defined:

Either (and also only recently) system-theoretically (in the follow-up of Niklas Luhmann of Klaus P. Japp - in the demarcation to the risk) - when aspect of communication, i.e. unspezifizierten when a signal ignorance (a Kontingenzentgrenzung), which stresses absolute significance: By disaster somewhat unavoidably wanting one does not communicate. (Specified ignorance leads however is able Kontingenzlimitation to the consideration and if necessary to the acceptance of risks).

Predominantly however disaster is understood conflict and exchange theoretical (after Lars Clausen among other things) since 1975 figurations, as a special social change, at the same time in its three dimensions

• (i) of the "rapidity",
• (ii) the (these two being based on Ralf Dahrendorf) and
• (iii) the

as (i) extremely more accelerated, (ii) extremely more interlacing (more thoroughly) and (iii) extremely magisierter (more social change. As if compiled disaster-sociological key concepts and/or - models are exemplary to call here the expert layman conflict, (structural) the stage model FAKKEL, (operational) the phase model LIDPAR, the Noah effect, the scapegoat search.

literature

Lars Clausen, Elke M. Geenen, Macamo (Hgg.): "Terrible one social processes. Theory and experience of the disasters" (with extensive international bibliography and a disaster-sociological glossary), (LIT publishing house): 2003, ISBN 3-8258-6832-X

Web left

• Disaster research centre, Institut for sociology, University of Kiel:
• Open portal for interested one of the sociological oriented disaster research,
• Disaster research - German-language disaster network with mailing list
• News service of the Kieler of institute for crisis research ["spin off" of the University of Kiel],

See also

• Disaster, Anastrophe
• Disaster control, civil defense
• Katastrophismus

Articles in category "Disaster sociology"

We found here 10 articles.