**2. The theoretical framework: the modified pressure and release (PAR) model**

Since an earthquake hazard is a natural event that hits nature, people do not have much control over it. However, we have adequate control over the production of vulnerability because our normal activities create our vulnerability consciously and/or sometimes unconsciously. We have adopted a few factors from the PAR model [10]; which seem to be relevant to the creation of human vulnerability in the study area. Some factors have been taken out from the modified model as they are found difficult to show the linkages with the production of vulnerability. The research area, Dhaka South City, considerably differs from some factors of the macro level of 'Dynamic pressures' of the model to the creation of vulnerability. The macro level factors i.e. factors of arms expenditure, debt repayment, and deforestation may be found a significant relationship with the creation of vulnerability in other contexts, however not appropriate in our study area (**Figure 1**).

The political ideology determines certain people's access to take part in major decision-making regarding disaster planning and mitigation strategies (Ibid). It limits certain people and groups' access to political participation at local and national levels.

*Analysis of Social Vulnerability to Earthquake Hazards in Dhaka South City, Bangladesh Using… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108714*

#### **Figure 1.**

*The progression of vulnerability: root causes dynamic pressure unsafe conditions (source: reprinted from the book of [10]).*

Some people receive less attention from local NGOs and local government personnel in the event of natural hazards [5]. The economic pattern of society originates and maintains unequal access to resources and opportunities. Some people do not have equal access to land or farm, adequate access to safe water, and basic health services [10].

In terms of unsafe conditions, some segments of people live and work in dangerous locations, as they have no other choices left (Ibid). It also includes the initial level of well-being of the people which involves access to tangible (e.g. cash, shelter, food stock, etc.) and intangible resources like; networks of support, knowledge regarding survival and sources of assistance, ability to function in a crisis [10].
