Interactions of structural disaster management in landslide prevention: A qualitative study through the multi-level perspective (MLP) and figurational sociology from the lessons of the Lua ethnic community in Thailand

Abstract

The emphasis on disaster risk reduction (DRR) has long been discussed alongside sustainability. However, achieving the goals of DRR remains a significant challenge for the global community due to differing paradigms in disaster management across multiple dimensions, such as the prioritization of top-down and bottom-up approaches, the lack of clarity in operational frameworks that fail to align with set objectives, and structural mechanisms at the superstructure level that are inefficiently linked to substructure-level operations. This study employs the MLP framework and figurational sociology as analytical tools to explore strategies for overcoming these limitations. The research examines policy-level actions and the societal transition processes involved in managing landslide disasters within a Thailand community that is facing high complexity in its issues. The findings indicate that the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) concept is a crucial mechanism for bridging practical gaps toward achieving the goals outlined in the SFDRR. Additionally, CBDRM enhances the efficiency of disaster management processes by complementing operations across the landscape, regime, and niche levels. Furthermore, the CBDRM concept is pivotal in integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches, acting as a "window of opportunity" for disaster management at all levels.