Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Melissa Bass
Second Advisor
Stefan Schulenberg
Third Advisor
Anne Cafer
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This study investigates the systemic disparities in disaster recovery resource allocation in Mississippi, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. Guided by the central research question—how can we make disaster recovery more equitable?—this research critically examines whether current disaster recovery policy in Mississippi is equitable and how effectively it addresses the needs of diverse economic groups. The current disaster recovery model often fails to address the unique needs of socio-economically vulnerable populations, hindering their ability to recover effectively. Through case studies of Hurricane Katrina (2005), the Mississippi River Flooding (2011), and undeclared tornadoes in December 2022, as well as an interview with a community leader, this research examines the effectiveness and equity of existing disaster recovery policies, like the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Performance Grant.
The analysis highlights recurring patterns of inequitable resource distribution, exacerbated by gaps in policy design and implementation, and their disproportionate impact on minority and low-income communities. Findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift from equality-based frameworks to equitable disaster recovery strategies that prioritize socio-economic factors and community-specific vulnerabilities, such as income disparity, housing insecurity, and access to healthcare. Based on these findings, I recommend that MEMA develop a Disaster Equitable Allocation Framework incorporating a third tier—'Socio-Economic Allocation'—to guide the distribution of Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG).This study seeks to inform policy reforms aimed at fostering long-term resilience and preparedness in communities disproportionately affected by disasters. This framework proposes strategies that ensure all communities have the resources and support needed to recover effectively and prepare for future disasters.
Recommended Citation
Robertson, Ethan C., "Weathering the Storm: Examining Mississippi’s Disaster Recovery for Diverse Economic Groups" (2025). Honors Theses. 3280.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3280
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
