Answer to Question #263725 in Sociology for Araba

Question

Abstract: Pandemic highlighted the prevalent inequalities in the South African health system, the stigmatization of persons who tested positive with the virus, the impact of the pandemic on the family, and the role of the media in societies across the globe.

Question: given the following statement or abstract, critically write a clear/ definite introduction as well as a conclusion.

Answer 1

Social stigma in the context of health is the negative association between a person or group of people who share certain characteristics and a specific disease. In an outbreak, this may mean people are labeled, stereotyped, discriminated against, treated separately, and/or experience loss of status because of a perceived link with a disease. The current COVID-19 outbreak has provoked social stigma and discriminatory behaviors against people of certain ethnic backgrounds as well as anyone perceived to have been in contact with the virus. The level of stigma associated with COVID-19 in south Africa is based on three main factors: it is a disease that’s new and for which there are still many unknowns about it, we are often afraid of the unknown, and  it is easy to associate that fear with ‘others’.

One of the common consequences of the pandemic on families is that it has increased time spent together in the home. This increased time together has greatly benefited many families. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated societal changes have raised the felt stress of most families by increasing change in their lives while decreasing resources. With families losing income and losing access to institutional resources such as school systems, gyms, parks, among others, most individuals and families have fewer coping resources to deal with the elevated stress and anxiety during this time of crisis.

As the fulcrum of society, the media plays numerous roles such as communication, partnership of information, and as a regulator of society along with its institutions. In addition, it is a source of entertainment, advertisement, and corporate social responsibility.  Media has today become the voice of our society.

In conclusion, in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, massive testing must be adopted, contact tracing, isolation, and home quarantine guidelines for asymptomatic cases which promote behavioral change and reviewing of policy on food relief.