Community Perspectives on Social Equity in Disaster Planning: A Qualitative Inquiry

This phenomenological study investigates how individuals from diverse backgrounds in Portland, Oregon, perceive barriers and facilitators related to disaster management, response, and recovery, specifically in the case of an earthquake. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 45 participants, the study explores how social, cultural, and structural factors shape perceived barriers and facilitators related to disaster preparedness among historically marginalized communities. Reflexive thematic analysis and independent coding were used to identify key patterns in the data. Four key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Natural disasters may exacerbate existing service gaps for specific groups; (2) The privilege of mobility creates unequal access to emergency services; (3) Delays in recovery efforts disproportionately impact vulnerable populations; and (4) Persistent concerns exist around the inclusiveness and trust in disaster management. These findings suggest that disaster planning must account for systemic social barriers in addition to infrastructure needs, to ensure equitable access to resources for all. The study highlights the value of participatory, community-informed strategies that can reduce vulnerabilities and foster trust. By illustrating the intersection of disaster preparedness with systemic inequality, the research contributes to broader discussions of urban resilience and offers insights to inform more inclusive emergency planning in high-risk urban environments.