Adding fuel to the fire: A preliminary investigation on the devastating effects of Environmental Racism after Pandemic on health disparities and social stress
Abstract/Description
Purpose: This study investigated the causes of environmental racism and its effects on multiple stakeholders. Data were collected through a series of semi-structured interviews based on narrative inquiry from owners and workers of organizations in industrial estates and individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds living in proximity to these industrial estates.
Design: The insight was obtained through conducting a thematic analysis of data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews based on narrative inquiry with the community members residing near the industrial estates/parks with low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Findings: The findings showed that low-income workers and community members have been disproportionately burdened with environmental and health hazards through policies and practices causing health disparities and social stress while owners refute the existence of environmental racism.
Originality/Value: This issue has not been comprehensively addressed before in Pakistan. The findings from this study will assist policymakers in formulating policies for people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and business organizations will understand, how intentionally or unintentionally they are contributing to an environmental curse.
Social implications: This study highlights the existence of social stressors in low socioeconomic classes due to unequal access to clean and basic environmental resources. This inequality in access can lead to the further marginalization of those already facing socioeconomic disparities. The study underscores the need for policymakers to recognize and address this inequality in environmental resource distribution and take steps to ensure equal access for all.
Research Limitations: In conclusion, while the study provides important insights into the links between flawed environmental practices and socioeconomic disparities, and environmental racism, it is important to acknowledge its limitations to ensure that the findings are interpreted with caution and that future research can address these limitations.
Keywords
Environmental racism, Environmental injustice, Social stressors, Social disparities, Industrial neighborhood, Low socioeconomic class
Track
Management
Session Number/Theme
Session 1C: Management
Session Chair
Dr. Nyla Aleem Ansari ; Dr. Yasir Mansoor Kundi
Start Date/Time
26-5-2023 2:45 PM
End Date/Time
26-5-2023 4:45 PM
Recommended Citation
Sarwat, N., Khan, F., & Qasim, M. (2023). Adding fuel to the fire: A preliminary investigation on the devastating effects of Environmental Racism after Pandemic on health disparities and social stress. 3rd IBA SBS International Conference 2024. Retrieved from https://ir.iba.edu.pk/sbsic/2023/program/11
COinS
Adding fuel to the fire: A preliminary investigation on the devastating effects of Environmental Racism after Pandemic on health disparities and social stress
Purpose: This study investigated the causes of environmental racism and its effects on multiple stakeholders. Data were collected through a series of semi-structured interviews based on narrative inquiry from owners and workers of organizations in industrial estates and individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds living in proximity to these industrial estates.
Design: The insight was obtained through conducting a thematic analysis of data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews based on narrative inquiry with the community members residing near the industrial estates/parks with low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Findings: The findings showed that low-income workers and community members have been disproportionately burdened with environmental and health hazards through policies and practices causing health disparities and social stress while owners refute the existence of environmental racism.
Originality/Value: This issue has not been comprehensively addressed before in Pakistan. The findings from this study will assist policymakers in formulating policies for people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and business organizations will understand, how intentionally or unintentionally they are contributing to an environmental curse.
Social implications: This study highlights the existence of social stressors in low socioeconomic classes due to unequal access to clean and basic environmental resources. This inequality in access can lead to the further marginalization of those already facing socioeconomic disparities. The study underscores the need for policymakers to recognize and address this inequality in environmental resource distribution and take steps to ensure equal access for all.
Research Limitations: In conclusion, while the study provides important insights into the links between flawed environmental practices and socioeconomic disparities, and environmental racism, it is important to acknowledge its limitations to ensure that the findings are interpreted with caution and that future research can address these limitations.
