Award Information
The earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti on January 12, 2010 should be defined and understood not only as a single moment of devastation but also through the ongoing, chronic social, economic, and political effects of the disaster -- in particular, Haitians’ experiences of loss and displacement. This research examines the enduring impacts of the earthquake in Haiti and changes to the social landscape by examining three distinct but interrelated themes. Using ethnographic methods, this project based in Port-au-Prince will focus on a) forms of community and connection that develop, evolve, or dissolve in the wake of the earthquake and subsequent displacement; b) various interpretations, understandings, and meanings that survivors of diverse backgrounds ascribe to the earthquake and the displacement and loss of home; and c) how aid groups, humanitarian organizations and development organizations have responded to the earthquake and displacement, and how they have addressed, or not addressed, forms of community and local interpretations that have arisen since January 12.