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Storytelling Networks and Social Capital for Disaster Resilience: Empowering Narrative Agency in Diverse Communities

Author

Listed:
  • Jenny Zhengye Hou

    (School of Communication, Queensland University of Technology, Australia)

  • Greg Hearn

    (School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Australia)

Abstract

Prior studies have established the importance of social capital in fostering disaster resilience especially among diverse and marginalised populations. Yet, most have focused on its structural dimension, treating social capital as a pre-existing attribute. Limited attention has been given to its communicative underpinning—how shared meaning-making, particularly through storytelling networks as open and participatory spaces, actively constitutes social capital. Addressing this gap, this study draws on storytelling networks theory and the notion of narrative agency to examine how community self-organised storytelling networks, comprising agents, stories, and practices, shape collective sensemaking as the foundation of social capital. Based on 36 in-depth interviews with community members, emergency practitioners, and service providers, the study reconceptualises social capital through a participatory storytelling lens and advances a critical understanding of narrative agency amid power asymmetries. It also offers practical insights into how diverse storytelling agents co-make social capital and outlines directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenny Zhengye Hou & Greg Hearn, 2026. "Storytelling Networks and Social Capital for Disaster Resilience: Empowering Narrative Agency in Diverse Communities," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 14.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v14:y:2026:a:11508
    DOI: 10.17645/mac.11508
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Woolcock, Michael & Narayan, Deepa, 2000. "Social Capital: Implications for Development Theory, Research, and Policy," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 15(2), pages 225-249, August.
    2. Haoran Chu & Sixiao Liu & Janet Z. Yang, 2021. "Together we survive: the role of social messaging networks in building social capital and disaster resilience among minority communities," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 106(3), pages 2711-2729, April.
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