Examining Power Relations and Social Capital in Post-Disaster Housing: An Ethnographic Case Study of Red Cross Village

This study delves into the intricacies of power relations and social capital within the Red Cross Village in Daanbantayan, Cebu, in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Applying an ethnographic approach and employing Foucault's theory of diffuse power relations, the research explores the complex interplay between diverse stakeholders in shaping housing insecurity and community resilience. Key findings reveal the destabilizing effect of a tenuous usufruct agreement on land conflict and disaster governance, highlighting the criticality of secure land tenure to resilience. Shifting political affiliations, everyday marginalization, and an uneven distribution of authority expose strains on community cohesion and disparities in resource access. Despite these challenges, villagers demonstrate agency through everyday acts of resistance, challenging dominant narratives and redefining perceptions of disaster victims. These insights point to the necessity of addressing the interplay between power relations in conjunction with fostering social capital, secure land tenure, fair resource access, and meaningful community participation to effectively build resilient post-disaster communities. The study also reveals the inadequacy of merely providing physical housing without considering the socio-political dynamics that underpin community cohesion and resilience. Future research directions recommended include comparative case studies across various post-disaster communities, large-scale ethnographic projects, participatory methods, and detailed social network analysis. Such efforts would provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of power relations and social capital in shaping post-disaster resilience and offer valuable insights for policymakers to balance urgency with empowerment in their approach to 'building back better.'