Using an intersectional approach to advance understanding of homeless persons’ vulnerability to disaster

Abstract

ABSTRACT Too often groups deemed as ‘vulnerable’ are homogenized in terms of their characteristics and experiences leading up to, during and after disaster. Although important exceptions exist, the identities of members of marginalized groups such as homeless populations are frequently homogenized in practice without regard for the intersecting traits and contextual factors that result in unequal disaster and environmental outcomes. This paper explores the utility of an intersectional approach to analyze the complexity of lived experiences within homeless communities during disaster. I use qualitative methodologies, including unstructured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observation, to better understand the intersecting identities of homeless participants and their experiences during the 2013 Colorado floods. Throughout the paper, I argue for the merits of using intersectional approaches to analyzing the complex lived experiences of vulnerable groups during disaster. The conclusion presents a call for further integration of intersectional analyses into disaster and environmental justice scholarship.