Work

Social dimensions of science–humanitarian collaboration: lessons from Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: This paper contains a critical exploration of the social dimensions of the science-humanitarian relationship. Drawing on literature on the social role of science and on the social dimensions of humanitarian practice, it analyses a science-humanitarian partnership for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia, an area threatened by tsunamigenic earthquakes. The paper draws on findings from case study research that was conducted between 2010 and 2011. The case study illustrates the social processes that enabled and hindered collaboration between the two spheres, including the informal partnership of local people and scientists that led to the co-production of earthquake and tsunami DRR and limited organisational capacity and support in relation to knowledge exchange. The paper reflects on the implications of these findings for science-humanitarian partnering in general, and it assesses the value of using a social dimensions approach to understand scientific and humanitarian dialogue.

Source: Disasters

DOI: 10.1111/disa.12064

Authors: Rachel Shannon, Max Hope, John McCloskey, Dominic Crowley, Peter Crichton

Institutions: University of Ulster, Concern Worldwide

Language: English

Topic: Disaster Management and Resilience

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: green

Funders: Sight Research UK, Natural Environment Research Council