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作者

Julia Woodhall-Melnik;Eric P. Weissman

来源

HOUSING STUDIES,Vol.,Issue

语言

英文

关键字

作者单位

Social Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada;Social Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada

摘要

AbstractAs natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, policy makers question the safety and sustainability of housing in flood zones. Areas along the St. John River in New Brunswick are prone to spring floods. In the past 11 years, three significant floods have damaged and destroyed housing. The tradition of staying in place despite property damage is becoming harder to practice. This paper investigates housing decisions after the 2018 St. John River flood. Data are analyzed from focus groups with residents who experienced residential damage and/or displacement during the flood and from semi-structured interviews with key informants. The analysis indicates that residents’ decisions to stay and move reflect attachment to home, integration within the community, practical considerations such as finances, and a range of emotional responses. These findings reinforce several theoretical perspectives on place and place attachment and indicate that policy makers need to consider the emotional and social implications of relocating communities and individuals in disaster prone areas.