Drawing on a diverse array of international case studies, this book provides an in-depth analysis of how information, exposure, and locative fears shaped global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents a nuanced understanding of health behavior during crises, exploring issues of public trust, identity, and resistance.
Drawing on a diverse array of international case studies, this book provides an in-depth analysis of how information, exposure, and locative fears shaped global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents a nuanced understanding of health behavior during crises, exploring issues of public trust, identity, and resistance.
Expert authors delve into key cultural and political factors that impacted public perception and policy, including the credibility of information sources, levels of knowledge and preparedness, and the primary fears and behaviors that emerged. Chapters cover responses across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, integrating insights from medical professionals, scientists, educators, and individuals in various socio-economic contexts. Reflecting on lessons learned from COVID-19, the book suggests valuable guidance for future pandemic preparedness, emphasizing the influence of culture and politics on our actions and attitudes during global health emergencies.
This interdisciplinary book is a helpful resource for students and researchers in political science, public policy, sociology, public administration and management, and public health. Policymakers, health professionals, and educators will also benefit from its recommendations for handling future health crises.
Arvustused
One of very few truly international volumes about this international pandemic, with voices from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. -- Samuel Stroope, Louisiana State University, USA This book is an essential guide for understanding how social, cultural, and political contexts shape pandemic responses. It illuminates the complexities of epidemic information dissemination and the role of community engagement in managing health risks and vulnerabilities. With global perspectives and compelling insights, the book empowers readers to reimagine public health strategiesa must-read for developing effective, inclusive pandemic policies worldwide. -- Joe Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Critical Public Health and Director, Australian Institute of Community and Health Management (AICHM) The world seems eager to leave behind the overwhelming tragedy of the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Many governments overlook the risks of new spillovers related to the environmental crisis. This book stands as a lighthouse amidst the fog of selective oblivion and provides policymakers and health professionals a ground-breaking perspective for exploring the roles of fear, information, and preparedness across diverse cultural and political contexts. Its unique focus on the Health Belief Model and culturally adaptive approaches enriches our understanding of public health behaviour. A vital resource for developing informed, sensitive pandemic strategies worldwide. -- Luca Tateo, University of Oslo, Norway<> The book adeptly maps the global response to COVID-19, revealing the intricate intersections of cultural, political, and social dynamics in managing pandemics. Grounded in rich empirical analysis of the social construction of knowledge and risk, it highlights the pressing need for culturally sensitive and adaptable public health strategies to address future global health challenges. -- Maitrayee Chaudhuri, Formerly Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
Contents
1 Introduction: futility or paradox? The secret of COVID 1
Wesley Shrum
2 Experts, knowledge and social practices: attitudes towards COVID-19 in the
metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina 17
Sosiuk Ezequiel and Kreimer Pablo
3 Living in times of coronavirus: relationships, information, and perceptions
during the pandemic in Mexico 39
Leandro Rodriguez Medina, Ana Pandal de la Peza, and Lucas Galanakis
4 Crescent crossroads: navigating locative fears and COVID-19 perceptions in
Türkiye 64
Cihan Aydiner, Hasan Bilgin, and Emre Dikici
5 COVID-19 in the Brazilian context: factors influencing preventive measures
in pandemic response 85
André Sica de Campos, Janaina Pamplona da Costa and Johan Poker
6 (Dis)trust and COVID-19 in an American context: political identity and
attitudes towards information sources 109
Paige Miller and Wesley Shrum
7 Navigating precautionary measures: public attitudes and actions during
COVID-19 in Ghana 130
John K. Aggrey and Nana O. Asiamah
8 Unmasking the infodemic: fear, information, and pandemic response in
Kerala, India 157
N.B. Lekha and Antony Palackal
9 Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya: voices of the victims 179
Paul N. Mbatia and Gladys Nyachieo
10 Public trust, skepticism, and collective resistance: exploring early
COVID-19 responses in China 203
Xiaoxu Yang
11 Conclusion: pandemic paradoxes landscape of precaution beyond COVID 219
Antony Palackal
Index 228
Edited by Antony Palackal, formerly Professor and Head of Sociology, University of Kerala, Kerala, India, N.B. Lekha, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, S.N. College, Chempazhanthy, University of Kerala, India, André Sica de Campos, Associate Professor in Public Policy, School of Applied Sciences, UNICAMP, Brazil, Janaina Pamplona da Costa, Associate Professor of Science, Technology and Society, Department of Science and Technology Policy, UNICAMP, Brazil and Wesley Shrum, Professor and Chair of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Louisiana State University, USA
