Search

I am interested in seeing how social ties and networks have been used to cope with (un)natural disasters. My research focus on places under disasters conditions such as Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria, in which social ties have made the difference between life and death. Furthermore, “natural” disaster has been used to approved austerity measures and unjust policies to impoverished communities like in New Orleans after Katrina. These policies were not new, as they are rooted in structures of power to preserve the status quo. Yet, people have resisted, “through a network of branches, cultures, and geographies” that has stimulated a reflective process of looking within for solutions rather than outside. As often this outside solutions are not only detached from community’s reality but can perpetuate social injustices and inequalities.

McKittrick, K., & Woods, C. A. (Eds.). (2007). Black geographies and the politics of place. South End Press.

Bullard, R. D., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2009). Race, place, and environmental justice after Hurricane Katrina: Struggles to reclaim, rebuild, and revitalize New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Westview Press.

Schmid looks back on many accounts of what the results were for other nuclear and non-nuclear events. She is trying best to figure out how to involve the "lay society" into the currently highly scientific disscussion. 

The article reviews the actions taken throughout hospitals during hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The review was based on the cases that a few patients were 'euthanized' by physicians in order to mitigate their suffering even though it was against protocol. It analyzes where the disconnect is between practitioner and community beliefs. 

A great number of the references from the articles bibliography reference many of Farmers other research papers. This article also researches many data collections in regards to the data which supports the push to a heavier emphasis on biosocial solutions. 

MSF is funded through donations and is a 503(c) nonprofit organization. In FY 2014 MSF received $19.5 million for worldwide projects. They hold fundraisers through companies and individuals.