Living with Slow Disasters: The Role of Collective Efficacy in Disaster Recovery

This study delves into the sociological dimensions of "slow disasters," which are characterized by their gradual, cumulative impact on communities, often lacking the immediacy and visibility of sudden disasters. Drawing from theories of collective efficacy and disaster sociology, this research examines how social structures and community cohesion influence the capacity for disaster recovery in these prolonged crises. The concept of collective efficacy, rooted in social capital theory, refers to a community’s shared belief in its ability to achieve collective goals through coordinated action. Through an empirical analysis of Aceh, Indonesia, the research investigates post-disaster recovery following both the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and decades of internal conflict. By examining the interplay between social networks, trust, and local leadership, this study highlights how collective efficacy mediated Aceh's recovery processes in the face of compounded, long-term crises. Through comparative case studies and qualitative fieldwork, the research illuminates how communities mobilize collective resources to mitigate harm, adapt to changing conditions, and rebuild over time. The findings suggest that high levels of collective efficacy not only accelerate recovery but also foster adaptive capacities that transform the socio-environmental vulnerabilities of affected communities. This research contributes to the growing body of sociological literature on disaster recovery by offering a nuanced understanding of the role of social capital and collective action in navigating the protracted temporalities of slow disasters.