ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore the interaction between the cultural influences on "self" and response to earthquake risk. In a survey of owner-occupiers of detached homes in California and Japanese study areas, they gathered empirical information to differentiate respondents on the basis of: their general level of independence, interdependence and human agency/fatalism; their perceptions of susceptibility to general risks and their responses to the earthquake hazard. It also include: the steps they as individuals and as members of their communities take to prepare for or mitigate against the negative effects of earthquakes and their recommendations concerning government involvement in mitigation and disaster relief. With respect to the specific public policy measures preferred by the citizens of each country, the Japanese generally prefer measures related to warning and evacuation, while the Americans prefer measures to strengthen public buildings and infrastructure.
