Conceptual Models of Vulnerability or Vulnerabilities

Vulnerability is still the subject of much debate and controversy. Existing theoretical frameworks and conceptual models differ in their conceptualization of the dominant components, processes and relationships that define society-environment interactions. This chapter details the evolution of key theoretical frameworks and conceptual models that have shaped analyses of vulnerability. Sociology and political economy researchers focus on how political, economic, social, historical and institutional factors produce differences in exposure and susceptibility. Other models have had an important influence in recent years. The social amplification of risk model (SARF) describes how psychological, social and cultural processes interact with natural hazards in ways that amplify or attenuate the public’s perception of risk. Over time, theoretical frameworks and conceptual models of vulnerability have evolved toward greater detail and complexity, inclusion of scalar and cross-scalar effects, temporal feedbacks and links to resilience, sustainability and adaptation.