Reconstructing Resilient Communities after the Wenchuan Earthquake: Disaster Recovery in China looks at the changes in Chinese society following the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan from various perspectives ranging from reconstruction policy, mental care for disaster victims, tourism in disaster areas, ethnic minorities, and disaster prevention education. The Wenchuan Earthquake, which occurred three months prior to the Beijing Olympics, attracted worldwide attention in May of 2008. Following this natural disaster, the government in China conducted a delicate bargaining between government top-drown control and openness to its people and the international society in its effort to steer the reconstruction. This book examines the globalization of modern society through examination of these events and considers what we have learned from this disaster, subsequent reconstruction, and issues that may arise in the future.
Junko Otani is professor in the Graduate School of Human Sciences at the University of Osaka.
A timely reminder that as disasters fade from news reports, we have much to gain by revisiting earlier events and following the lessons learned through the affected location's response, recovery and reconstruction. This book examines the Wenchuan earthquakes through a people-focused cross-disciplinary lens, which provides a model for future retrospective studies of significant disasters and crises, in order that we can consolidate and share important insights for future policy and planning.--Carol Mutch, University of Auckland This ground-breaking book, edited by a leading academic at the University of Osaka, assembles interdisciplinary perspectives seeking to understand the globalization of modern society by examining the calamitous 2008 earthquake in China with its epicenter in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. Addressing the human science dimensions of the reconstruction of resilient communities using the insights of Chinese and international researchers ensures a unique contribution to the urgent questions of disaster prevention and recovery, in the process developing theoretical innovation and practical public policy responses. Essential reading for those wishing to understand the complexity of social dynamics in times of crisis.--Christopher Tremewan, The University of Auckland
