ABSTRACT
Political participation plays a critical role in determining how governmental resources are to be spent. People can make their voices heard and have their demands met through their participation. One possible framework used to explain why individuals choose to participate in contentious political activities is rational choice theory. Rational choice theorists believe individuals are rational actors. Civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) often employ existing local networks in the provision of disaster relief and recovery aid. Local leaders are more likely to be respected, but, as is explained in detail below, they may often have their own political agendas. Disasters can act as a catalyst for political protest because they attract both those disheartened by the government and mobilize cause-oriented activists and advocates. Disasters can signal the limited presence and power of the state providing opportunities for social change.
