Urban Disasterology: A Sociological Perspective

Author: Zhang Youde
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Urban disasters are social phenomena that occur in urban spaces, primarily caused by human factors, and result in significant damage to urban life and property. This book begins by tracing the historical evolution of human understanding of urban disasters, employing sociological theories and methods. Through an analysis of the types, causes, functions of urban disasters, as well as human adaptation to disasters and disaster response organization during different historical periods—pre-industrial society, industrial society, and post-industrial society—the book attempts to reveal that disasters are largely the result of human factors. To prevent and reduce urban disasters, it is essential to establish institutional frameworks and mechanisms for disaster prevention and mitigation. Today, China is entering a new period of comprehensive construction toward a moderately prosperous society. Researching urban disasters and reducing them are indispensable measures for building a better urban home.