Home > Sociology, Social Work > Vol 12 June 2024 Abstract 4
Critical Discourse Analysis of Environmental Disasters in Sierra Leone
Moses Abdul Fullah

Abstract
This paper critically examines the discourse surrounding environmental disasters in Sierra Leone, using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to explore how language, power dynamics, and socio-political factors shape public understanding and responses to crises. The study focuses on the 2017 Freetown landslide and other environmental disasters, analyzing the narratives constructed by government officials, NGOs, and the media. These narratives often deflect responsibility from systemic governance failures, such as poor urban planning and deforestation, onto marginalized communities like informal settlers and women. The study highlights the exclusion of vulnerable groups from disaster management discussions, emphasizing the need for more inclusive governance and community-based resilience strategies. The paper concludes that addressing the root causes of vulnerability, including governance deficiencies and socio-economic inequalities, is essential for mitigating future disasters in Sierra Leone.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v12a4