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Narratives, masks and COVID-19: A qualitative reflection
1School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
Qualitative Social Work : QSW : Research and Practice
|July 13, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 mask-wearing involved diverse social and political narratives, not just scientific ones. Examining alternative viewpoints reveals how power structures influence accepted truths and their consequences.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Science and Technology Studies
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complex interplay between scientific information and public behavior.
- Mask-wearing became a focal point for diverse interpretations, extending beyond purely medical recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the various explanatory narratives surrounding mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To investigate how dominant narratives in science can obscure power dynamics and marginalize alternative perspectives.
- To re-articulate social work's critical stance on knowledge production and its political implications.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of explanatory narratives concerning mask-wearing.
- Critical examination of the social and political dimensions of scientific communication.
- Exploration of power structures influencing the acceptance of 'truths' about public health measures.
Main Results:
- Multiple, often conflicting, narratives shaped the global experience of COVID-19.
- The scientific narrative of mask-wearing was intertwined with social and political factors.
- Dominant scientific 'truths' may overshadow and devalue alternative explanations and lived experiences.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19's impact is understood through a combination of scientific, social, and political lenses.
- Interrogating dominant scientific narratives is crucial for understanding their inherent power and politics.
- Acknowledging diverse narratives is essential for a more comprehensive and equitable approach to public health crises.
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