Vulnerability or Flexibility: An Examination of Socioeconomic Status, Employment Changes, and Individual Income in Japan’s 3.11 Earthquake

This study investigates the impact of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake on income inequality in Japan. Using a quantitative analysis of survey responses from nearly 4,000 respondents, we find that individuals with lower socioeconomic status were disproportionately affected by the disaster. During the immediate aftermath, those with lower education and precarious employment experienced significantly higher rates of job loss. In the recovery phase, education emerged as a key factor influencing re-employment, while the impact of prior employment status was less clear. Furthermore, the disaster led to a significant decline in income for regularly employed individuals compared to those with irregular employment. This suggests that the disaster not only affected employment opportunities but also had a significant impact on income distribution. Our findings underscore the complex mechanisms through which natural disasters can exacerbate income inequality. Beyond social vulnerability, the interplay of factors such as education, employment status, and income sources shapes individuals' experiences and outcomes in the aftermath of such events.