Social policy approaches to Hurricane Katrina and the Christchurch Earthquakes

Abstract

Using secondary sources, the purpose of this thesis is to compare the two disasters – Hurricane Katrina in the United States and the two Christchurch Earthquakes in New Zealand and show how the countries managed the aftermath of each of the disasters. The thesis explores Esping-Andersen’s concept of welfare typologies and shows where New Zealand and the United States fit into his framework. The thesis also reviewed some critiques to Esping-Andersen’s typology. It details the events of the disasters and how the respective governments responded given their social policy approaches.