Gender Patterns in Flood Evacuation: A Case Study in Canada’s Red River Valley

Citation:

Enarson, Elaine, and Joseph Scanlon. 1999. “Gender Patterns in Flood Evacuation: A Case Study in Canada’s Red River Valley.” Applied Behavioral Science Review 7 (2): 103–24.

Authors: Elaine Enarson, Joseph Scanlon

Annotation:

The authors look at the 1998 Red River Valley flood and subsequent evacuations in order to put disaster mitigation in a gendered framework. They argue that natural disasters are gendered experiences, in which longstanding gender roles become more rigid; this leads to specific experiences and responsibilities for men and women. Women traditionally perform less noticeable, domestically-based work, while men are given the spotlight through their “valiant,” more physical contributions. This can lead to inequalities and male empowerment over women. Enarson and Scanlon conclude by stressing ten points for future gender-focused research, the results of which could help communities to better care for and to better represent men, women, and children during disaster recovery.

Topics: Environmental Disasters, Gender, Women, Gender Equality/Inequality, Humanitarian Assistance Regions: Americas, North America Countries: Canada

Year: 1999