Catastrophe and displacement: an evaluation of socioeconomic conditions in Paradise, California after the Camp Fire

Prunty, Jennifer N (2023) Catastrophe and displacement: an evaluation of socioeconomic conditions in Paradise, California after the Camp Fire. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

Text Prunty_2023_catastrophe_displacement_evaluation_socioeconomic_conditio.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

The purpose of my research is to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster recovery efforts in small communities, particularly in relation to the micro-communities that form after displacement. In some cases, government aid has been insufficient, exacerbating existing socioeconomic inequalities and causing further harm to affected communities. This thesis examines Paradise as an example of community resiliency after catastrophe through the lenses of social vulnerability, resource access, and place-making. My work in Paradise also contributes to broad discussions of migration and displacement caused by environmental catastrophes as well as more specific issues of gentrification and community building. The key questions being asked include: 1.What are the social components of wildfire recovery? 2.What happens to small communities in the aftermath of catastrophe? 3.What kind of micro-communities are forming in the wake of destruction? 4.Are communities’ needs being addressed? To conduct this research, I used a mixed-methods approach that included qualitative and quantitative methods. I collected qualitative data through personal narrative interviews with current and former Paradise residents who experienced the Camp Fire. I then sourced quantitative data from the U.S. Census and real estate data. Through my analysis of these data, I highlight the importance of considering factors of resiliency and social vulnerability when evaluating the effectiveness of disaster recovery programs. Four years have passed since the Camp Fire, allowing me to observe the community during more advanced stages of rebuilding and to interview both new and long-time residents. The insights gained from this research could inform policies and programs aimed at supporting communities like Paradise who are affected by frequent, intense natural disasters. In the Discussion portion of this thesis I examine the broader implications of disasters like the one that occurred in Paradise. Rebuilding disaster sites and restructuring communities after catastrophes can have long-lasting effects on small communities, potentially leading to prolonged homelessness for environmental migrants and deepening existing socioeconomic inequalities. There are communication flaws within intergovernmental organizations that, if addressed, could save lives and help stabilize at-risk areas as natural disasters become more frequent worldwide. The insights gained from my research could be used by other state and national government programs to mitigate the physical, structural, and psychological harm experienced by affected populations. To reduce post-catastrophe harm, it is essential to identify key similarities and difficulties experienced by affected populations. The information and analysis presented in my thesis is relevant not only to the tragedies faced by Paradise but also to the broader systems of government and civil society that have the resources to mitigate community suffering.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Climate Change; Environmental Refugee; Migration; Disater recovery;Sociocultural; Wildfire; Wildland-Ubran Interface
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Anthropology
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 17:06
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 17:06
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6195

Actions (login required)

IR Staff Record View

Downloads