This is a common occurrence after a national tragedy, or at least it is now common between the Chileans and the Haitians. After the tragic quake, the Haitians looted everything, just as what is happening in Concepcion. The difference between the two countries is that Chile is substantially developed in comparison (which is my assumption). Why the similarities in the behavior? Is it the decrease in the risk aversion from the looterees? Is it a change in the sustainability of livelihood? Is it the lack of efficiency from the law enforcement?
When we were discussing book one of the Harsh Moon, we were asked what would happen if our class was the last known population on earth. I am rethinking that conversation after looking at the recent events. In my opinion, sustainability or survival would become the forefront of our everyday actions. Looking at difficulty of the livelihood in Chile, I can in a very very roundabout way, condone the actions geared toward nothing but survival (ie food and shelter). But the stealing of luxuries is not what I would call justified. Is it occuring because of short-term opportunity cost of no punishment? The difference between our class discussion and what is happening in Chile is that when the power is restored, the new stereo will sound awfully good. Is the day that the stereo sings worth the violation of the current laws?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/28/chile.quake/index.html?hpt=T1
March 12th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I think that this question is very intriguing. I wonder, what incentives would I have not to plunder after a natural disaster? If there was a jewelery store whose wall had fallen down, why shouldn’t I walk in there and take whatever I please? When the state is focused on an emergency response so that there is little to no police force around then I have little fear of punishment for theft.
We like to think that people will do the “right” thing even when they don’t have to, but there are a lot of people who do the “wrong” thing even when there is a high possibility of punishment. Are there any disincentives to committing crimes under martial law?