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A framework for social science in epidemics
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 06:36 authored by Santiago RipollSantiago Ripoll, Annie WilkinsonAnnie Wilkinson, Syed AbbasSyed Abbas, Hayley MacgregorHayley Macgregor, Tabitha HrynickTabitha Hrynick, Megan Schmidt-SaneMegan Schmidt-SaneIn epidemic preparedness and response, it is now commonly accepted that insights from social science disciplines are important in shaping action. Unfortunately, the role of social science is often confined to risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) efforts. In this article, we propose an analytical framework that would allow researchers and practitioners from different disciplines to employ social science insights to enrich their understanding of epidemics and formulate more effective and sustainable responses. The framework goes beyond simply unpacking social, political, economic and cultural dimensions of context; it situates disease itself – as it is shaped by the contexts in which it circulates – and views it in dynamic relation to response. It also explores how different individuals, social groups and institutions shift their knowledge and practices during an epidemic through power-laden processes of dialogue and learning, or even through silencing and side-lining. It is our hope that this framework will enable responders to engage more deeply and systematically with the contexts of emergencies, so as to ensure activities are more adaptive to local dynamics.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Anthropology in ActionISSN
0967-201XPublisher
Berghahn BooksExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
29Page range
5-11Department affiliated with
- Anthropology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes