Mapping Disaster Preparedness in Spain: Individual Resources and Social Networks

Amidst increasing natural and human-induced emergencies, it becomes critical to strengthen social resilience, that is, the collective ability to absorb and recover from threats. While nations reinforce their disaster risk reduction strategies at the macro-level, evidence of individuals and households own (lack of) resources to cope with emergencies is scarce. Nonetheless, their readiness is fundamental to societal resilience. This research seeks to map citizens general resilience and vulnerability in the face of natural and human-induced risks and hazards in Spain. Central to this proposal is the recognition that social networks play a pivotal role in resilience. They serve as conduits for the exchange of social support and capital and facilitate collective action. Moreover, they embed individuals within the fabric of society, providing a sense of belonging and solidarity. Therefore, the research systematically assesses respondents human and material resources to cope with emergencies, as well as the size, resourcefulness, and vulnerability of their networks through a relatively new yet well-established method (Aggregated Relational Data and the Network Scale-Up Method). The research identifies the distribution of these resources and vulnerabilities across population groups and detect regional and structural inequalities in preparedness. Furthermore, by connecting the survey responses to existing macro-level indicators of risks and policies, we will obtain a more comprehensive picture of the resilience of Spain's residents. The research will inform policy interventions aimed at strengthening social networks and bolstering resilience in the face of ongoing and future ecological and social challenges. It will deliver novel, open-access data. Finally, it will stimulate new research.