Date of Award
Fall 11-22-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Language
English
Subjects
Colonialism, Disaster Resilience, Hurricane Maria
Abstract
Using Hurricane Maria as a case study, this thesis examines Puerto Rico's vulnerability to natural disasters and explores the intersections between colonial history, political status, and socioeconomic inequalities. Undertaking the island's susceptibility to environmental crises based on centuries of colonial exploitation and dependence, along with restrictive U.S. policies. It is argued that policies like the Jones Act, Operation Bootstrap, and PROMESA perpetuate systemic neglect and undermine disaster preparedness. Due to these structural vulnerabilities, intensified by climate change, Puerto Rico is ill-equipped to recover from hurricanes. During Hurricane Maria, systemic governance failures, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient federal aid exposed these deep-rooted inequities. Despite this, this thesis also points out the resilience of Puerto Rican communities and grassroots initiatives that reframe recovery as a path to self-sufficiency and sustainability. In doing the path of discourse has been altered to promote decolonial approaches to disaster recovery and systematic reforms that prioritize these goals. Thus, it contributes to the discussion of how colonial histories shape disaster vulnerabilities and how resilience must be reimagined for equity and self-determination.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43661
Recommended Citation
Quintana, Mystique, "¡Viva Puerto Rico! How Puerto Rico's Political and Economic Status Has Affected Its Vulnerability to Natural Hazards" (2024). University Honors Theses. Paper 1593.