Work

Resilience and Preparedness Across Place: A Multilevel Analysis of Urban–Rural and Socioeconomic Divides

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates how local context-specifically urban versus rural environments and socioeconomic conditions-influences individual crisis preparedness and resilience in Sweden. Using multilevel survey data from 12,574 respondents, we analyze both proactive preparedness actions and perceived resilience. Results show that rural residents report higher levels of preparedness and resilience than their urban counterparts. However, these differences in preparedness attenuate when controlling for individual risk perception, suggesting a mediating role. Socioeconomic context, on the other hand, does not show an independent effect beyond individual characteristics, indicating compositional rather than contextual influences. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring crisis preparedness strategies to both individual and local characteristics and stress the need for authorities to consider spatial disparities in vulnerability when planning for future crises.

Source: Risk Analysis

DOI: 10.1111/risa.70155

Authors: Ebba Henrekson, Susanne Wallman Lundåsen

Institutions: Stockholm School of Economics, Marie Cederschiöld University, Linköping University

Language: English

Topic: Disaster Management and Resilience

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,880