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The sociology of epidemics and pandemics

In: Handbook on the Sociology of Health and Medicine

Author

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  • Robert Dingwall

Abstract

Historically, sociologists have taken little interest in epidemics or pandemics. An important exception is PM Strong’s work, inspired by the experience of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. Strong proposed that all viral or bacterial epidemics were accompanied by three societal epidemics: of fear; of explanation and moralisation; and of action. This model is applied to the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-2023. The chapter notes the pervasive influence of fear - on biomedical and public health scientists as much as the general population - and its use as an instrument of governance. It considers the moralising of both conspiracy and Zero-Covid advocates. It shows the turn to biomedicine in response to demands for action and the creation of space for a resurgent biomedical imperialism. Democracy gave way to iatrocracy, rule by biomedicine. The chapter concludes by reflecting on sociologists’ responsibility to examine medicine as a social institution rather than being co-opted to its agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Dingwall, 2023. "The sociology of epidemics and pandemics," Chapters, in: Alan Petersen (ed.), Handbook on the Sociology of Health and Medicine, chapter 29, pages 455-473, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:19641_29
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781839104756.00039
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