The way we understand the meaning of crisis nowadays has its limitations, as it tends to value turning points related to financial crisis as being politically meaningful. It is, thus, worth tracing its etymology at the outset in order to see that its meaning is much wider than that. The term originates from the Greek language and refers to a decisive point or state of things in the progress of a disease - for better or worse. Opening up its meaning sheds a significant insight in why we must first analyse this induced change in its entirety, before showing too much eagerness in fighting it through a solely neoliberal economic logic. State strategies, policies and solutions must be sensitive to the total impact this pandemic is having on humanity.
The relationship between economic growth and people's health is always complex. The language of this pandemic is the language of isolation. The advice of public health authorities is to contain the virus through social distancing and self-discipline. This sagacious voice of biomedicine is disciplining our bodies through imminent hygiene practices while the state enforces it. This sudden change in our social behaviour is not banal and begs to be untangled, understood and then applied in state agendas. More often than not, cultural practices are sidelined and described as merely anecdotal. However, our mundane domestic and work routines which pull the economic machine lie exactly in the unthinkable and the taken-for-granted. All that was unquestioned and familiar has now become strange and extraordinary. As social creatures, we are asked to unlearn ingrained bodily techniques and habits based on intimate practices. It is a known fact that touching raises our oxytocin levels, that hormone which is connected to wellbeing and happiness.
Unlearning deeply ingrained and meaningful social practices which form the basis of our culture will be experienced as traumatic. The fast formation of new social practices will change the totality of human experience on a moral, psychological, collective, economic, domestic and political level. Yet the totality of this impact is still unknown. However, we can prepare by seeking to foresee this change and incorporate it in our solution-oriented strategies through the 'politics of care'. Our liberal democratic social policies can be restructured on a socialist-feminist welfare model which addresses unequal gaps based on wealth, gender, care work and so on.
The economy has an omniscient presence and does play a big part in this Covid-19 induced change. However, our analysis of the liberal market should not be limited to its legal and political framework, as we would only be telling a partial story. The success of the market also depends on its cultural context which is influenced by customary laws, religious beliefs, intimacy, morality and risk. The latter interlinked forces are at the base of what I call, the "economic unconscious." For example, service-based economies such as hospitality require openness in order to host 'strangers' and offer an intimate experience of one's own culture. Let us also not forget, that market deals bud through human relations, alliances and friendships across borders.
The experience of lockdown will also impact our sense of homeliness. Unlike natural disasters or wars which are often accompanied by mass housing destruction, our homes are central to our wellbeing and survival. Yet, we are already aware that due to the lockdown, domestic abuse has increased. This social contradiction further challenges the rhetoric that we are all equal in front of covid-19. Gender, sex, nationality, race, class will still shape the experience of the virus especially in countries were access to healthcare is limited or dependant on health insurance. What is common is the enemy, not the experience.
If the government seeks to privilege health over economy, or vice versa, the likelihood is that there will be more social and economic disparity. Valuing the economy over saving lives has deep implications on the national psyche. Saving lives is not merely a heroic action of the state, but it is good for those affected, their friends, family and the rest of the community. Practicing the politics of care is essential. Fostering this type of political logic based on a sense of solidarity will have substantial economic benefits.
What will make a difference is how sensitively change is incorporated in a national strategy. In such circumstances, the government should seek the expertise of social scientists as they are often in good strategic positions to understand changing patterns of social behaviour. Inter-disciplinary research and collaborations amongst scholars is equally important, if we are to map out patterns as they emerge in the wake of social transformation. In short, the success of a national plan depends on 'slow' governance based on collaborations and an integrative approach to understanding this Covid-19 induced social change.
Dr Rachael M Scicluna is Policy and Strategy Consultant at Ministry for Social Accommodation.