The Sociology of Katrina ─ Perspectives on a Modern Catastrophe

"The `natural' disaster of Hurricane Katrina was also a major sociological event. lssues of who suffered most, the way damage was assessed, how response was organized, and the nature of the rebuilding effort were all shaped by social factors. This book gives an important overview, addressing concerns from the role of race and class in shaping impact to the role of religion in shaping response. It will be useful to students and researchers and should be read widely as Americans try to learn from the Katrina catastrophe"---Craig Calhoun, president, Social Science Research Council

"From so many vantage points come clear and well-formulated descriptions and analyses of Katrina and the consequences---many of them dire---of this unnatural event. Anyone who wants to know about Katrina, or indeed disaster of any sort, needs to reed this important and authoritative book."---Harvey Molotch, New York University

"This second edition constitules further in-depth learning from the most destructive collision in American history between nature's hazard and socially constructed vulnerability, knowledge that is essential as societies head toward more confrontations."---Raymond Murphy, president, Environment and Society Research Committee of the International Sociological Association; University of Ottawa

The second edition of the Sociology of Katrina brings together the nation's top sociological researchers in an effort to deepen our understanding of the modern catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina. Five years after the storm, its profound impact continues to be felt.

This new edition explores emerging themes, as well as ongoing issues that continue to besiege survivors. The book has been updated and revised throughout, and the contributors thoroughly review the important topic of recovery---both in New Orleans and in the wider area of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This revised edition also features a new chapter focused on the Katrina experience for people in the primary impact area, or "ground zero," five years after the storm.

From this important update of the acclaimed first edition, it is apparent that "the storm is not over," as Katrina continues to generate political, economic, community, and personal controversy.

David L. Brunsma is professor of sociology at the University of Missouri.
David Overfelt is ABD in sociology at the University of Missouri and a member of Sociologists Without Borders.
J. Steven Picou is professor of sociology, anthropology, and social work at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.