I. Introduction
Since past studies such as the Halifax explosion studied by Samuel Prince, sociologists continue their recent work on the study of disasters. We as sociologist continue to search for common sociological themes within the community and society at whole. Focus on function, conflict, structure, are being studied in their relation to disasters. These studies are not only important for sociologist, but also for how emergency officials such as emergency managers, first responders, and elected officials. Studies reveal how we act before, during, and after the disaster, and can enforce policy, planning, and response.
This paper will look at the community involvement in response to disasters. More specifically, how heroism plays a role in disaster response. There will be discussion of the recent Iowa floods disaster and how heroism affected the communities. Also there will be a section of theory and how it applies to this research question. Finally different methods of gathering research will be discussed in order to understand how the question can be answered. My research question will look further into heroism and how it is created in different types of situations. My research question is as follows; what caused people to play a heroic role in the response to the 2008 Iowa floods disaster?
II. The Disaster
In the summer of 2008, Iowa was inebriated with rain storms from Mid June to the end of July. These storms cause major flooding for much of Iowa’s rivers including the Mississippi, Iowa River, and Cedar River, some of which exceeded 100 year flood plains. Not only floods, but tornadoes, severe thunderstorms posed threat to residents. The flooding affected much of the state’s major cities, and caused state wide destruction of property. What kept much of the city above water were the people of Iowa. Teams of sand bagging crews, and operational departments teamed together in order to create levees within their community. The disaster left its...