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How are emotions about COVID-19 impacting society? The role of the political elite and grassroots activism

Authors :
Alice Poma
Tommaso Gravante
Source :
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy. 42:369-383
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Emerald, 2021.

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the role of emotions in the polarization that emerged during the first months of the pandemic. So, the authors will analyze the social response of two opposing social actors: political elites that have minimized the risks of the pandemic and grassroots groups that have promoted mutual support for vulnerable people suffering from the various effects of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachFor the analysis, the authors will primarily refer to Hochschild's proposal and the recent literature on emotions and protest. The method is to analyze official statements by politicians from the UK, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Italy and the social responses that have emerged from different mutual support groups and solidarity networks in those countries, as well as in Chile and Argentina.FindingsThe authors will show how the conflicting responses can exacerbate social polarization in our societies. This polarization goes beyond the political spectrum, and in some cases even social classes, and reaches into the realms of values, emotions and practices. The authors will also show how the response from grassroots activism makes it possible to overcome guilt, shame and other emotions of trauma, among other things.Originality/valueAn analysis of the emotional dimension of two opposing responses to the pandemic will show how these responses have a deep impact on society, ranging from demands for values and practices that legitimize a status quo, to discussing, breaking away from or overcoming social behavior based on individualism and social determinism.

Details

ISSN :
0144333X
Volume :
42
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........682b439098f1abe23a2a5cf0020d20bc
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijssp-07-2020-0325