THE ROLE OF DISASTER SUBCULTURES IN LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS: A CASE STUDY OF STAKEHOLDERS IN COASTAL MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

Abstract

Extreme weather events are increasingly affecting coastal communities, often leading to economic and social disruption within these areas. The businesses located within coastal communities are especially vulnerable to climate-related shocks, yet relatively little is known about how the experience of prior disaster events affects business preparedness and planning for future extreme events. This study applies the concept of a disaster subculture to investigate whether and how prior extreme events affect climate resilience practices among small and mediumsized businesses in coastal New Jersey. The methods for the study entailed qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with businesses and related stakeholders during the Spring of 2022. The results of the study indicate that elements of four possible disaster subcultures are present in the region and that these subcultures are influencing business mitigation and preparedness practices and community recovery. A future research direction could consider disaster subculture influence on an individual level and how subcultures may influence household preparedness.