Coping with crises II : the impact of social aspects on vulnerability and resilience

There is a strong tendency in archaeological research circles to analyse crisis situations primarily from an economic point of view. However, the impact that crises have on individuals or groups and how it may affect their chances of coping successfully with these, essentially also depends on social factors. Based on studies in the area of sustainability research, we have compiled a list of social parameters that can influence the vulnerability and resilience of individuals or groups and that may also have played an important role in prehistoric societies. Using the Neolithic lakeside settlement Arbon Bleiche 3 (Switzerland) as a case study, these parameters are discussed here. We ask what concrete statements can be made about the vulnerability or resilience of the settlement’s inhabitants based on the available data. This approach has proved extremely productive as it has provided new insight into the everyday lives and relationships of the people who lived in Arbon Bleiche 3.