Free Download Bracing for the Apocalypse: An Ethnographic Study of New York's 'prepper' Subculture by Anna Maria Bounds - NJG

Increasing American fear about terrorism environmental catastrophes pandemics and economic crises has fueled interest in 'prepping' confronting disaster by mastering survivalist skills. This trend of self-reliance is not merely evidence of the American belief in the power of the individual; rather this pragmatic shift away from expecting government aid during aIncreasing American fear about terrorism environmental catastrophes pandemics and economic crises has fueled interest in 'prepping' confronting disaster by mastering survivalist skills. This trend of self-reliance is not merely evidence of the American belief in the power of the individual; rather this pragmatic shift away from expecting government aid during a disaster reflects a weakened belief in the bond between government and its citizens during a time of crisis. This ethnographic study explores the rise of urban preppers the survivalist subculture in New York City shedding light on the distinctive approach of city dwellers in preparing for disaster. With attention to the role of factors such as class race gender and one's expectations of government it shows that how one imagines Doomsday affects how one prepares for it. Drawing on participant observation the author explores preppers' views on the central question of whether to 'bug out' or 'hunker down' in the event of disaster and examines the ways in which the prepper economy increases revenue by targeting concerns over developing skills building networks securing equipment and arranging a safe locale. A rich qualitative study Bracing for New York's Apocalypse will appeal to scholars of sociology and anthropology with interests in urban studies ethnography and subcultures.(less)

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