Coronavirus (COVID-19), pandemic psychology and the fractured society: a sociological case for critique, foresight and action

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and mass lockdowns that continue to shake the world, sociologists of health and illness have been advised to undertake research only when the time feels right and to avoid premature evaluation. Such advice makes sense, especially amidst an epidemic of interpretation that has resulted in substandard work. However, this contribution argues that when trying to understand and perhaps analyse early societal responses to COVID-19, medical sociology comprises a toolbox of ideas that are ‘good to think with’ and should not be ignored. Indeed, our community is well placed to make its presence felt sooner rather than later as we collectively live through a deepening critical situation. Divided into two sections, this piece first offers a critical appreciation of Philip Strong’s classic essay on ‘epidemic psychology’, noting some insights and posing research questions for pandemic times. Second, going from micro- to macro-sociological concerns, it builds on Graham Scambler’s calls for not only critique but also foresight and action within a ‘fractured society’ comprising class-generated fissures and tensions. Early interventions from other leading medical sociologists and publicly engaged intellectuals are also cited when asking ‘what sort of society are we heading towards and what sort of world do we want to share?’.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1982-1995
Number of pages14
JournalSociology of Health and Illness
Volume42
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • disaster capitalism
  • inequality
  • political economy
  • social psychology
  • sociology

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