Critical theory and cultural ecology: A framework for understanding culture in community crisis response

• In Event: Policy With versus Policy On: Collaborative Decision-Making and Equity

Abstract

The 2023 Maui wildfires case demonstrates the importance of cultural considerations in community crisis planning, response, and recovery. Native Hawaiians, and other indigenous and historically marginalized communities, have been left from much of the literature on crisis management, particularly in the United States and western context. Yet, they offer significant opportunity for understanding gaps in conventional systems and the power of community resilience, particularly around culture and spirituality, colonial history, community voices and grassroots efforts during large events. Additionally, better supporting underrepresented populations after crises with indigenous informed recovery efforts is beneficial to all communities (Quinn, Williamson, & Gibbs, 2022). 

 

Our work examines the 2023 Maui Wildfires and applies critical theory and cultural ecology to situate the Hawaiian culture through issues of power, historical processes, colonization, resistance, and cultural oppression. Based on work by Cristobal (2018), Wright and Balutski (2023) and postcolonial theorists, critical theory can provide critique of structures that perpetuate social inequalities and afford a richer understanding of Hawaiian culture in terms of crisis response and understanding. Our work applies this theoretical lens and seeks to understand: 1) What role did culture play in crisis response and 2) How can culture be used as a critical infrastructure in crisis management? We employ a qualitative approach using interviews with key leaders, nonprofit executives, and community members who were key parts of the network response to the wildfires. Our findings suggest that culture must be treated as critical infrastructure in crisis response, and culturally responsive care must rely on resonant messaging and trusted local voices. We highlight the role of culture in recovery and rebuilding, as our findings suggest that recovery in Native Hawaiian communities is a unique process requiring an understanding of loss as a form of trauma. We argue the importance of culturally informed policy as an ethical and strategic practice that leads to more acceptable, equitable, and collaborative crisis management. 

Authors

• Lauren Azevedo, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
  Presenting Author

• Ratna B Dougherty, University of South Florida
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• Kaila Witkowski, Florida Atlantic University
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• Christa L Remington, University of South Florida
  Non-Presenting Co-Author