Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Major(s)

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Document Type

Immediate Open Access

Abstract

This thesis examines the social perceptions and narratives surrounding the 2019 Mississippi Delta flood. Recognizing flooding as a “wicked problem,” the research highlights how socioeconomic and cultural identities relate to access to resources and assistance for affected communities, with an emphasis on infrastructure. Through qualitative analysis, including thematic coding of journalistic media sources covering the flood, the study explores the perceptions and experiences as well as the concept of ‘deservingness’ and its relationship with government resources and assistance. Findings indicate that the Mississippi Delta community faced temporal barriers to post-flood recovery due to disparities in representation and perception, underscoring the importance of local knowledge and cultural memory in shaping resilience. Recommendations most strongly include enhancing community engagement in decision-making processes and sourcing funding for effective flood control infrastructure supported by residents, advocating for a flood management approach including an analysis of local perceptions and narratives to understand needs and impacts.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54718/SNHS8311

Date Defended

4-30-2025

Funding Source

HONORS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Thesis Director

Dr. Beth Baker

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jim Giesen

Third Committee Member

Dr. Don Shaffer

Download

Share

COinS