Essays explore altered social experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic


mugshot photos of four women

School of Social Transformation faculty members (from left): Mako Fitts Ward, assistant professor, African and African American studies; Michelle McGibbney Vlahoulis, senior lecturer, women and gender studies; Jennifer A. Sandlin, professor, justice and social inquiry; Christine L. Holman, senior lecturer, justice and social inquiry.

|

The Pandemic Reader” is a new collection of essays edited by faculty in Arizona State University's School of Social Transformation, in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The collection explores the multitude of ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has changed life in every aspect. As people around the world try to navigate challenges and revelations that have unfolded in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the faculty involved in the project say it is still crucial to consider the societal impact at large, and what it will mean down the line. 

“Our collection of essays, articles and activities are designed to assist in both understanding and deconstructing the ways in which the pandemic has impacted our lives — as individuals, families and communities," said editor Christine L. Holman, senior lecturer, justice and social inquiry.

“The Pandemic Reader” draws from research, writings and discussions by journalists, students, community activists and academics who have formed teachable viewpoints on the world’s current state of affairs. The contributors come from a wide range of specialties from economics to pediatrics to epidemiology and investigative reporting. 

The editors of this collection are Mako Fitts WardJennifer A. SandlinMichelle McGibbney Vlahoulis and Holman. They helped bolster the sociohistorical framework and evidence-based responses used to address issues such as: pandemic racism, coronavirus capitalism, communications surrounding exposure and protection, pandemic leadership, and social messaging.

The Pandemic Reader book cover

In addition to offering thought-provoking narratives, “The Pandemic Reader” strives to serve as a blueprint for new teaching strategies as communities relearn how to connect and move forward.

Sandlin says the book is “an attempt to expose the cracks in systems that have become too wide to ignore."

"It’s important to provide context to understand how the multiple pandemics of 2020 — including COVID-19 and dismantling structural racism — exacerbated vast disparities that have existed and been cultivated for decades and even centuries,” she said. 

This book aims to provide a resource for courses on social justice and introduce critical perspectives for enlightening classroom discussions. After engaging with this material, the intended outcome is that COVID-era inequities are magnified, to inspire new perspectives and necessary change.

The book is available in e-book and paperback at diopress.com/the-pandemic-reader.

More Health and medicine

 

Palo Verde Blooms

New book highlights physician wellness, burnout solutions

Health care professionals dedicate their lives to helping others, but the personal toll of their work often remains hidden.A new…

Man and woman standing at a presentation table

80 years of pioneering speech and hearing services for the community

Over 80 years ago, in 1937, the first course in communication disorders, Speech Correction, was offered at Arizona State…

Health professional in blue scrubs holding electronic pad

First 2 degree offerings from ASU Health available in fall 2025

The first degree offerings from ASU Health will help students find jobs in the modernized health care system.The one-year…