The Social Effects of Typhoon Ophelia (1960) on Ulithi
Lessa, William (1964). "The Social Effects of Typhoon Ophelia (1960) on Ulithi". Micronesica. Mangilao, GU: University of Guam. 1 (1): 1–47. ISSN 2374-801X.
- Has attachment: File:54SIWDIH.pdf
Abstract: Lessa analyzes the social, economic, and cultural impacts of Typhoon Ophelia on Ulithi, arguing that the storm did not create change so much as accelerate pre-existing acculturative processes; records severe destruction of houses, canoes, crops, beaches, and water sources, while noting comparatively limited casualties; describes immediate responses marked by kin cooperation, communal sheltering, situational leadership, and relatively little panic or scapegoating; follows post-disaster recovery to show increased dependence on imported foods, expanding cash-economy activities, weakening of traditional exchange, adoption of Western-style housing and tools, altered gender labor patterns, and greater participation of children in organized work; notes shifts in political authority toward younger men with outside experience and further weakening of traditional chiefly structures; emphasizes strengthened Christianity and the decline of older magical and ritual practices; and concludes that in an already changing atoll society, disaster functioned as a catalyst pushing Ulithi toward a new equilibrium rather than restoring older patterns.
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MAG: 590385299 OpenAlex: W590385299
