Disaster and gender: men’s experiences during and after the earthquake

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discover how men’s first reflex behaviors during earthquakes and how their coping strategies were shaped after earthquakes in Türkiye. Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the research. The data of the research were collected through a semi-structured interview form between 25.04.2023 and 15.05.2023. The study was conducted with 12 people, based on data saturation. Interviews with the participants lasted between 30 and 75 min. Four themes were created within the scope of the study. Men participate in search and rescue operations, particularly those that require physical fortitude, and in the distribution of humanitarian aid, according to the research. In this process, men felt cold-blooded and strong. It has been observed that men take more risks and put themselves at risk due to socially burdened responsibilities and their masculine characteristics. In terms of disaster risk reduction objectives and actions, the findings obtained within the framework of the difficulties encountered by men during the earthquake, coping strategies, and the impact of gender roles can be evaluated. Therefore, it is thought that investigating gender roles in disasters is important in creating disaster management policies.