The social movement of an online community of mothers during a disaster: An analysis of the mom-caf ' e in Pohang, Korea

Abstract

Women are often considered vulnerable during the occurrence of a disaster. However, a South Korean online community in Pohang, "Pohang Mom Cafe '," played a key role in significantly influencing the mothers' attitudes toward post-disaster response activities including preventing future risks. The purpose of this study is to examine the social movements initiated by these women and demonstrate how their attitudes changed after the disaster. Interviews and network analysis were conducted to identify their transformation from vulnerable victims to resilient actors. The interview results showed a phase of psychological change in the mothers after the earthquake. The results of the network analysis identified the process of their transformative response behavior after the disaster. As their motherhood became a part of the online community, the responsibility bonds of the mothers became stronger and they grew more resilient to disaster risks.