Identification and evaluation of the components and factors affecting social and economic resilience in city of Rudbar, Iran

Abstract

The current study aims at identifying and measuring components and factors affecting social and economic resilience in Rudbar, Iran. This applied research is using descriptive and analytical methods. The sample size in the study was estimated as 345 households using the Cochran's formula. Using library resources and experts, the components and factors affecting social and economic resilience were identified. Afterwards, the required date and information were collected using field method and household questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive and analytical statistical methods, including one-sample t-test, univariate and multiple linear regressions, were used. Awareness, knowledge, skill, attitude and social capital indices were considered as components of social resilience and the amount and severity of damage, compensation, and the possibility of returning to occupational and financial conditions were considered as the economic resilience components. Results of descriptive statistics showed that, in terms of social resilience (216.3±33.4) and economic resilience (30.6±7.3) (Mean±SD), households in Rudbar were in a relatively appropriate and inappropriate conditions, respectively. With respect to the factors affecting social and economic resilience, the results of multiple linear regression model showed that social resilience increases with the length of stay in neighborhood, the number of educated family members, higher education level of the head of the household, the employed heads of household compared to unemployed ones, having physically-mentally disabled persons in the family, owning the house compared to renting it. Moreover, it seems that economic resilience might increase with having employed family members (other than the head of the household), medical and accident insurance, higher approximate value of dwelling, and lower monthly expenses. Based on the findings, the study proposes some social and economic resilience components which could be used to improve the flexibility and resilience level of the communities at neighborhood level.