Embodied competences in preparedness for blackouts: Mixed methods insights from rural and urban Norwegian households

Abstract

As part of governmental risk management policies, households are advised to be aware of local preparedness plans, make a family emergency plan and kit, and stock supplies to increase their level of preparedness. But the sole focus on this ‘formal preparedness competence’ fails to consider the ‘embodied preparedness competence’ that comes into play during a blackout. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews in Norwegian households and a representative web survey (N = 1,005), this article considers how an embodied competence shape household preparedness for extensive electricity and ICT infrastructure breakdowns. Informed by social practice theory, we define embodied competences as practical knowledge of how to act, and demonstrate the importance of three constituents: (i) previous experience with blackouts or having lived with restricted access to electricity or ICT; (ii) local geographical knowledge of climate and weather conditions and the built environment; and, (iii) mobilising social networks. The analysis shows that the formal preparedness competence was low, while the three constituents of the embodied competence were found to be significant preparedness resources. However, these varied between and within households, and most notably rural households had more experience with blackouts, more extensive social networks and were more engaged in their geographical surroundings than urban households. Our analysis provides important insights for policy in demonstrating that households should be recognized as resourceful through their everyday practices rather than by the level of implementation of formal preparedness resources.