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Journal of Sociology
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Natural disasters and national identity: time, space and mythology

Brad West

Department of Anthropology and Sociology University of Queensland

Philip Smith

Department of Anthropology and Sociology University of Queensland

This research note builds upon our recent publication in this journal entitled 'Drought, Discourse and Durkheim' (West and Smith 1996). Drawing upon Robert Merton's methodological recommendation that functionalist research should explore possible functional alternatives, we examine discourses surrounding Australian natural disasters other than drought: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and bushfires. The paper identifies three variables that constrain the risk and ritual orientations of natural disaster discourses—time, space and mythology. These variables explain why drought has a unique place among Australian natural disasters as the generator of a national solidaristic narrative.

Journal of Sociology, Vol. 33, No. 2, 205-215 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/144078339703300205
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