Abstract

GRANDON F., Pamela et al. Looting and self-defense. Social impact in chile post earthquake. Ajayu [online]. 2014, vol.12, n.2, pp.187-206. ISSN 2077-2161.

Both looting and self defense occurred in Chile alter the 27/F earthquake are related to and triggered by crisis situations, like that one produced by the disaster. The difficulty of the authorities in order to respond the population needs, along the “alarmist” information provided by the mass media contributed to generate a sensation of insecurity and vulnerability. Both endo and exo group dynamics is enhanced. Among those who plundered as well as among who defended themselves as a dangerous “other” that is corresponded to the stereotypes associated to poverty. On the other hand, social inequity and the search for status contribute that looting is perceived as a social restoration act in which people from different social classes are involved. Therefore the pre-disaster social context associated to a neoliberal economic model favours the social violence expressed in these phenomena.

Keywords : Looting; disaster; self-defence; stigma.

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