The talk of movers and shakers: Class conflict in the making of a community disaster

Abstract

Communities are created by the interactions of residents and institutions, which can be in conflict over the community's past, its prevailing political ideology, and pathways for community action. Disasters are called into existence by the naming of an event and the assigning of responsibility for blame and recovery. In April of 1997, , , experienced a flood that caused extensive damage to the homes and lives of most of its residents, altering communication processes and heightening group conflicts. Two groups emerged: “movers” are members of a dominant coalition; “shakers” are among their challengers. The groups differ most in their level of voice, that is, access to the means of participation in public discussion and decision‐making.