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Blame Assignment in a Diffuse Disaster Situation: A Case Example of the Role of an Emergent Citizen Group DAVID M. NEAL International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters 2 (1984): 251-266
Abstract: Blame occurs frequently after disaster, yet, the process
of blame is a neglected topic of disaster research. Our study looks
at how a grassroots citizen's group blamed a local company for air pollution
and health problems. The blaming process directed toward the company
aided in the mobilization of the citizen's group but also prevented any
immediate issue-oriented actions. As blame directed toward the company
decreased within the group, solidarity within the group decreased.
Yet, as blame decreased within the group, issueoriented actions by the
group increased. The placement of blame by the group had both positive
and negative consequences for their goals. Comparing this case with
other studies of blame in disaster, we found: 1) placina blame does not
lead to structural changes in the social system, 2) organizations can be
the focus of blame, and 3) only one target of blame can exist. In
addition, we suggest that the ty-pe of disaster (diffuse or focalized,
and technological or natural) may have an impact upon who or what becomes
the target of blame.
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