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Islands of vulnerability and resilience: Manufactured stereotypes?

Kelman, I; (2020) Islands of vulnerability and resilience: Manufactured stereotypes? Area , 52 (1) pp. 6-13. 10.1111/area.12457. Green open access

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Abstract

This paper interrogates the aspects of islandness labelled ‘vulnerability’ and ‘resilience’ through analysing the concepts’ definitions from a development perspective. The investigation is conducted through the lens of four assumed islandness aspects: boundedness, smallness, isolation, and littorality. Discussion examines how and why core concepts of vulnerability and resilience have emerged from island studies, demonstrating how these two aspects of islandness are socially and culturally constructed, can influence development approaches taken, and are enhanced by island geographies. Drawing on insights from island geographies around the world, while comparing island and non-island perspectives, evidences how manufactured islands of vulnerability and resilience can slant the discourse and reinforce stereotypes, especially in terms of the four assumed aspects of islandness. Island geographies in their diversity teach that vulnerability and resilience, being neither opposites nor independent or objective variables, are most supportive of island development endeavours when accepted as being subjective, contextualised, and nuanced. The lessons yield advice on ensuring that development contexts for vulnerability and resilience are widened and deepened, drawing strength rather than constraints from the four assumed aspects of islandness. Within boundedness, smallness, isolation, and littorality, the two aspects vulnerability and resilience can be empowering and disempowering for development.

Type: Article
Title: Islands of vulnerability and resilience: Manufactured stereotypes?
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1111/area.12457
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1111/area.12457
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: development, islanders, island studies, islandness, sustainability
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Inst for Risk and Disaster Reduction
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10046036
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