Fending for Themselves: Disaster Displacement, Crime, and Recovery in the Late-Capitalist Society

• In Event: Displaced Populations of Late Capitalism

Abstract

Displacement is an unfortunate result of major disaster events both internationally and within the United States. Discussions have taken place regarding the policies and neoliberal reforms that restructured New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and Indonesia saw similar policies emerge with land usage after the Indian Ocean Tsunami. In the process of recovery, the economic interests of the state take precedent over the needs of the people, leaving community residents and their property vulnerable to the ventures of investors and state authorities. This paper examines how displacement from disasters relates to crime issues in the context of late capitalist society, with an emphasis on “disaster capitalism”.

Author

• Ashley Farmer, University of Delaware