Covid-19 and Global Inequalities: Vulnerable Humans

This timely and powerful autoethnography traces the spread of and responses to Covid-19: from the uncertainty surrounding its outbreak, to its devastating and continued aftermath. Following the virus in real time, it explores the fears, risks, and responses to the global pandemic, and how it has shaped our everyday lives against the backdrop of social and political upheaval, and the looming climate crisis.

Social theorist and moral philosopher, Victor Jeleniewski Seidler, discusses fundamental questions of inequality and injustice regarding race, class, and gender brought to the fore by the visibility of varying risk levels, vulnerabilities, and protections provided by legislative measures against the virus. This interdisciplinary analysis scrutinises values, ethics, responsibilities, and uncertain futures formed by the global health crisis, and evaluates media and communications strategies, government responses, and political communications at domestic and international levels. Seidler shares critical insights into the cultural history of pandemics: highlighting lessons to be learned from anticipating, preparing for, and enduring moments of crisis. Perceiving how the pandemic and climate emergency are interwoven, the book concludes with an urgent call to rebuild sustainable economic, political, and ecological imaginations.

This wide-reaching volume will appeal to a broad academic readership in environmental studies, sociology, philosophy, health studies, cultural studies, gender studies, media, and communication.