Wealth inequality and community vitality in the aftermath of the Australian “Black Summer” bushfires

Abstract

This study investigates the adverse impact of community-level wealth inequality in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and explores the role of community strength (i.e., community identification, cohesion, and identity continuity) in potentially mitigating these negative effects. Using geo-targeted survey data from communities affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires in Australia (N = 363), we found that greater perceived wealth inequality was associated with lower confidence that the community would make necessary changes to meet the threat of future bushfires, lower collective efficacy regarding future bushfires, and lower anticipated quality of life. However, we also found evidence some of these adverse effects were attenuated among those who reported higher levels of community identification and community cohesion. This study illustrates that problems posed by wealth inequality extend to the context of disaster recovery and climate change adaptation, and further underscores the socially mediated nature of this threat by demonstrating the potential for community strength to play a buffering role.