Catastrophe and Social Change / Based Upon a Sociological Study of the Halifax Disaster

The author presents an observational sociological analysis of the social effects of a catastrophic urban explosion, tracing immediate shock, disintegration of daily life, and crowd and individual psychological responses. He examines how spontaneous mutual aid and primitive instincts give way to organized relief, leadership, and the interaction of voluntary associations and governmental agencies. Later chapters assess economic rehabilitation, principles of relief, legislative responses, social surplus and insurance, and indicators of long-term change such as urban planning, housing, public health, education, and community spirit, arguing that catastrophe can act as a catalyst for reorganization and social progress.