Capitalism and Catastrophe: A Critical Disaster Studies Manifesto (1) (Catastrophes in Context)

By: Raja Swamy

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Synopsis: Synthesizing critical perspectives on the impact of disasters in regard to social inequality, this book brings together key insights from political ecology and historical materialism. Querying assumptions about the “normal” conditions of life, it examines the exploitative structures and practices that shape everyday life using theoretical approaches including Rhythmanalysis, Metabolic Rift Theory, and Conjunctural Analysis . It argues that disasters are intimately linked to historical processes that foster contemporary unequal relationships, and should therefore include both those commonly associated with nature as well as those we consider facets of history and social conflict, such as war and destitution.