Published
Mar 9, 2021Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447362012Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Mar 9, 2021Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447362012Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy Press
COVID-19 and Risk
In the media
On our blog: Controlling the virus or protecting vulnerable people? Different responses to the threat of COVID-19
Risk has emerged as a key mechanism for controlling the future and learning from past misfortunes.
How did risk influence policy makers’ responses to COVID-19? How will they be judged for their decisions?
Drawing on case studies from the UK, China, Japan, New Zealand and the US, this original text explores policy responses to COVID-19 through the lens of risk. The book considers how different countries framed the pandemic, categorised their populations and communicated risk. It also evaluates the role of the media, conspiracy theories and hindsight in shaping responses to COVID-19.
As we reflect on the ‘first wave’, this book offers a vital resource for anticipating future responses to crises.
Andy Alaszewski is Emeritus Professor of Health Studies at the University of Kent. He is a social scientist who has specialised in the study of health risk and society, and is the founding Editor of the International Journal 'Health, Risk and Society'.
1. Introduction: Understanding risk
2. The challenge of foresight: Framing COVID-19
3. Being at-risk: Categorising the population
4. Communicating risk: Public health messaging
5. Pandemic narratives: Representing risk through numbers or personal stories
6. Contesting risk: Conspiracy theories
7. Hindsight: Inquires and the blame game
8. Conclusion
