Introduction
Social representation and identity processes in relation to COVID-19 reactions: an introduction
Abstract
The articles in this special issue enable us not only to reflect upon changes in representation, identity and human reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to anticipate the effects of future health crises. More generally, they demonstrate the multitude of ways in which research can and should be conducted, but also the value in ensuring a coordinated research effort that seeks to synthesise research findings. It should be noted that in all the articles in the special issue there is a strong focus upon social psychological theory. This is based upon the premise that evidence-based policy approaches to risk reactions that are grounded in robust, testable theory are more likely to be effective. The social sciences have a crucial role to play in enhancing future pandemic preparedness. This special issue presents some key foci for research that seeks to do so.
Keywords
COVID-19healthresearchsocial psychologypandemic preparednessCopyright statement
© The author(s) 2023. This is an open access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International LicenseCite this article
Jaspal (2023), ‘Social representation and identity processes in relation to COVID-19 reactions: an introduction’, Journal of the British Academy, 11(5): 001 https://doi.org/10.5871/jba/011s5.001crossref
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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been traditionally characterised by young population demographics but is currently experiencing fast transitions into ageing societies. The region has strong narratives of respect and high regard towards the elderly that are embedded in cultural norms. However, such narratives appear to have limited practical applications as they contradict the experiences of older people. The experiences of older women and men are likely to be impacted by existing gender differentials across the life course including marriage patterns, societal expectations and access to opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated infection control restrictions have impacted the lives of older people globally, including in the Middle East. In this article, I reflect on the intersectionality of gender and ageing perception in the MENA region, drawing on qualitative data collected as part of the Middle East and North Africa Research on Ageing Healthy (MENARAH) Network between 2020 and 2022.
Uncertainties about COVID-19 vaccines and variants have been linked to vaccination refusal on a significant scale. To optimise public health communication on vaccination and inform vaccination policy, it is necessary to understand the substantive nature of these uncertainties. Our study, using a corpus of texts from 324 UK citizens, examines these uncertainties. The results suggest that major public uncertainties regarding COVID-19 vaccines are expressed in terms of: (1) concerns about the safety of the vaccines; (2) concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccines; (3) perceived lack of trustworthiness and/or competence of actors in the vaccination process; (4) concerns about the logistics of the vaccination roll-out; and (5) uncertainty about the longer-term need for vaccines and social consequences. Public uncertainties regarding COVID-19 are complex and will continue to evolve. Policy responses must be informed by an understanding of the factors that instigate and maintain uncertainties in individuals and the wider society.
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