Policy Press

Pandemic Societies

A Critical Public Health Perspective

By Alan Petersen

Published

Oct 21, 2024

Page count

172 pages

ISBN

978-1529220377

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Oct 21, 2024

Page count

172 pages

ISBN

978-1529220360

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Oct 21, 2024

Page count

172 pages

ISBN

978-1529220384

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Oct 21, 2024

Page count

172 pages

ISBN

978-1529220384

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Pandemic Societies

From SARS to Zika, and Ebola to COVID-19, epidemics and pandemics have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Each outbreak presents new challenges but the responses are often similar.

This important book explores the dimensions, dynamics and implications of emerging pandemic societies. Drawing on ideas from sociology and science and technology studies, it sheds new light on how pandemics are socially produced and, in turn, shape societies in areas such as governance, work and recreation, science and technology, education, and family life. It offers pointers to the future of pandemic societies, including the expansion of technologies of surveillance and control, as well as the prospects of social renewal created by economic and social disruption.

"A vitally important sociological analysis of the biosocial dimensions and ramifications of COVID-19. The result is a powerful demonstration of the need for ongoing social scientific attention to pandemics – and of the distinct contribution that sociology can make to pandemic planning and management." Martyn Pickersgill, University of Edinburgh

"Shows the COVID-19 pandemic was neither unique nor unprecedented and we need to start preparing for the next pandemic. Petersen identifies the key measures that need to be taken to minimise the impact of future pandemics. This will be a key resource for future pandemic societies." Andy Alaszewski, University of Kent

"Expertly researched and offers a comprehensive account of how to understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which we now live and work. Compelling and authoritative." Bryan S. Turner, ACU Australia

Alan Petersen is Professor of Sociology at Monash University. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in the UK and in Australia. He has written on the sociology of health and medicine, the sociology of risk, the sociology of news media and digital media, science and technology studies and gender studies for more than 30 years.

1. Pandemics as Socio-Political Phenomena

2. The Politics of Framing a Pandemic Crisis

3. Modelling Pandemics

4. Pandemic Crisis and Inequalities

5. Pandemic Crisis and Technological Change

6. Future Pandemic Societies