The Social Construction of Disaster: Ondoy (Ketsana) in the Context of Sagrada Familia and Inquirer.net

Abstract

Generally, studies on disaster in the field of Social Science are plain descriptions of the phenomenon and subjects are simply regarded as victims and rescuers. It is observable that there is neglect for theory generation and methodological expansion. These limitations serve as impetus for this research endeavor. Primarily, the aim of this research is to elicit theoretical and methodological contributions to the field of Sociology. In broad stroke, the inquiry centers on the social construction of disaster among the members of Sagrada Familia and Inquirer.net. This paper contends that there is an array of contexts that can essentialize the analysis of Ondoy (international name: Ketsana). Thus, Ondoy is not a natural phenomenon but a social construction. In conclusion, this paper highlights its theoretical contribution to social constructivism and its implications to problem-specific, community-based and participatory approaches in community engagement.