New Books in Sociology

Ken Conca, "After the Floods: The Search for Resilience in Ellicott City" (Oxford UP, 2024)

May 18, 2025
Ken Conca, a Professor at American University, dives into the heart of Ellicott City, where he faced two devastating floods in just over a year. Drawing from his experience and research on environmental politics, he explores community resilience amidst climate change. The conversation reveals the tension between preserving local identity and adapting to future challenges. Conca emphasizes the necessity of inclusive governance and the role of community narratives in shaping effective responses to environmental risks. A thought-provoking discussion on navigating resilience and identity!
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ANECDOTE

Conca's Personal Flood Experience

  • Ken Conca lived near Ellicott City and experienced two devastating floods closely.
  • He felt like both an insider and an interloper while researching and observing community tensions after the floods.
INSIGHT

Historic Town Faces Modern Floods

  • Ellicott City is a historic mill town prone to flooding due to its location.
  • Two "thousand-year" flash floods overwhelmed the town within 22 months, exposing vulnerabilities in its landscape and development.
INSIGHT

Complex Governance and Stakeholders

  • Ellicott City lacks formal jurisdiction, relying on Howard County for governance and recovery.
  • Competing interests among residents, officials, and preservationists complicated flood response and resilience planning.
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