1. Alexander, D. Natural disasters. London: UCL Press Limited; 1993; pp. 1-119, 217-314, 374-609.
Notes: Abstract written by Tulane University.
Abstract: Natural Disasters provides a general overview of disaster-producing agents and their social and medical effects in both the developed and developing world. The pages listed here are those focused primarily on disaster forecasting and pre-disaster planning. Topics of disaster and hazard mapping, remote sensing, and conceptual models of disaster planning are presented. Specific effects of natural disasters on situations of famine and forced migration are also addressed.

2. Bates, F. L. and Pelanda, C. An ecological approach to disasters. In Dynes, Russell R. and Tievney, Kathleen. Disasters, collective behavior and social organization. Newark: University of Deleware Press; 1994; pp. 149-159.
Notes: Abstract written by Tulane University.
Abstract: With the growing evolution of and increasing attention brought to the field of disaster research, it is important that the field of disaster research not remain isolated in its subfield specialty. Disaster research is oriented by a multidisciplinary perspective and requires a multidimensional approach to uncover the interactive experience of the disaster event and its significance in meaning. Because the experience of disaster affects multiple disciplinary perspectives, it is important that the theoretical orientation of disaster research also be integrated amongst these different fields of research (sociology, biology, etc.).
In this work an integrated ecological approach for the study of disasters is presented. This approach to disaster research defines disasters as events that are both shaped by and influential in shaping the environment in which they exist. Applying ecological theory to this interactive relationship between humans, their environment, and disasters allows for disaster research to extend beyond an isolated and artificial approach in order that it is pursued in a more evolutionary and integrative manner.

3. Drabek, T. E. Emergent structures. In Dynes, Russell R. De Marchi Furna and Pelanda Carlo. Sociology of disasters. Milano: Franco Angeli Libri; 1987; pp. 259-290.
Notes: Abstract written by Tulane University.
Abstract: This article highlights the findings of numerous researchers on the topic of individual and organizational structures that emerge in response to emergency situations. The author presents a conceptual model for studying emergent systems which classifies disaster related behaviors according to disaster phase, level of permanence, and structural complexity. Five basic components of emergent structure theories are identified and discussed: 1) origin of the emergent systems; 2) structure; 3) stability; 4) termination; and 5) cross-system interaction.

4. Faupel, C. E. Human ecology and disaster: contributions to research and policy formation. In Dynes, Russell R. De Marchi Fruna and Pelanda Carlo. Sociology of disasters. Milano: Franco Angeli Libri; 1987; pp. 181-211.
Notes: Abstract is compilation of quotations from introduction to chapter.
Abstract: "In spite of some important theoretical developments (most notably in systems-organizations and collective behavior perspectives), the field of disaster inquiry has yet to be fully and systematically integrated with the more general sociological enterprise. This lack of integration is particularly manifest, for example, in the highly specialized conceptual framework employed in the disaster literature."
"…In response to this call for theoretical and conceptual communion with general sociological theory, this article considers the utility of the perspective of human ecology for providing one possible interpretive framework."

5. Holden, P. ODA's approach to linking relief and development. IDS Bull. 1994; 25(4): 105-106.
Notes: Abstract written by Tulane University.
Abstract: This article presents ODA’s approach to operationalizing the link between relief and development in its implementation of humanitarian aid and program development. Holden explains, "In principle, there is a clear link. Humanitarian aid within ODA has two major objectives: to save and preserve lives during emergency situations and in the immediate post-emergency situations and in the immediate post-emergency rehabilitation phase; and to cope with longer term population displacements arising out of emergencies." (p. 105) Considerations for achieving these two objectives are discussed, the idea of disaster preparedness as integral to development activities is presented and the need for capacity building in war-torn societies is advocated. Programmatic examples of this approach to link relief and development, particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa region are also addressed, here in the context of ODA humanitarian work.

6. Kreps, G. A. Classical themes, structural sociology, and disaster research. In Dynes, Russell R. De Marchi Fruna and Pelanda Carlo. Sociology of disasters. Milano: Franco Angeli Libri; 1987; pp. 357-401.
Notes: Abstract written by Tulane University.
Abstract: In this chapter, the author introduces structural sociology as a theoretical approach and describes its applicability to the study of disaster research. The sections of this chapter address the following content areas: (1) defining structural sociology (2) outlining the paradigms of positivist, structural, and interpretive sociology (3) discussing the theory underlying the structural sociology approach and showing structural sociology as marginal to the positivist and interpretive paradigms of sociology (4) presenting examples demonstrating the applicability of the structural sociological approach to disaster research and (5) concluding that sociology is a pluralistic discipline, and, in its pluralism, can be applied usefully in research and lend an important context for pursuit of research in disaster settings.

7. Mileti, D. S. Sociological methods and disaster research. In Dynes, Russell R.; De Marchi, Fruna, and Pelanda, Carlo. Sociology of disasters. Milano: Franco Angeli Libri; 1987; pp. 57-70.
Notes: Abstract written by Tulane University.
Abstract: In this article, the application of sociology to the discipline of disaster research is advocated. The article addresses the possibility for application of sociology to disaster research both on a general and more specific level. Generally, the author emphasizes the methods underlying a sociological approach to disaster research as sophisticated, relying upon rigorous, analytic, systematic, and formalized theory, and hence, allowing for repeatable outcomes with bias minimized. More specifically, the author discusses the application of sociology to disaster research by addressing the following related issues: (1) research goals in using sociology to study disasters (2) theoretical approaches to disaster research, (3) research designs in sociological research and applicable to the study of disasters, (4) sampling techniques appropriate for use in disaster settings, (5) sociological data collection techniques for the field of disaster research and (6) methodological lessons that can be derived from disaster research and applied to sociology.