| Description |
1 online resource (21 min., 37 sec.) |
| Series |
Social science bites |
| Summary |
About this Podcast: COVID-19 has reshaped the social landscape across the globe. While it has brought much tragedy and economic destruction to many communities, it has also ignited a new appreciation for the significance of medical and social sciences. Hetan Shah notes that politicians are increasingly reliant on scientific experts, in many cases forming a close and dependent relationship with them.In this podcast, Shah discusses the strengths and benefits of social science amidst the pandemic and how it has influenced policymakers to make better decisions for the future. Uncertainty is guaranteed, as there is no single, definitive answer to any challenge. With limited and ever-growing data, decisions are having to be made quickly, but social science has made great progress. Shah notes, "Anthropologists [...] wouldn't have been surprised at all by the panic buying of toilet paper. They have known for a long, long time, rooted in the work of people like Mary Douglas, the cultural and symbolic importance of things like cleanliness and security in times of crises." The ideas around what is and is not normal are also highlighted by anthropology. The customs we share in the West are "normal" and a basis upon which we evaluate "other" behaviors. Shah thinks that "the key is to bring an anthropological lens to our own behavior. What are the practices that we have and how can we change them?" The discussion goes on to explore how the government might enforce the rules on social distancing and mask-wearing. Social science research has shown that praising those who keep to the rules is more effective at increasing compliance than publicly shaming those who do not. Shah goes on to note that COVID-19 has shone a light on social issues which have long been discussed, such as the unequal impact the disease has on ethnic minority communities |
| Performer |
Interviewer: David Edmonds |
| Notes |
Description based on XML content |
| Subject |
COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Social aspects
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Medical policy -- Social aspects
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Social sciences and state.
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Social aspects.
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Medical policy -- Social aspects.
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Social sciences and state.
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| Form |
Streaming audio
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| Author |
Edmonds, David, 1964- interviewer.
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| ISBN |
9781529776966 |
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1529776961 |
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