Social division: How Covid-19 destroyed our friendships

Social division: How Covid-19 destroyed our friendships

Current studies at the University of Vienna show alarming findings on the effects of covid-19 pandemic on the social structure in Austria. In an extensive evaluation of 127 interviews from 2020 and 2021, the research team reports that not only health problems occurred, but pandemic also created profound social divisions. Isabella Radhuber, a main author of the study, explains that many people have changed their friends due to different views on vaccination policy. "Like -minded people came together in 'social bubbles', while those who think differently," she told noe.orf.at .

These divisions led to a feeling of exclusion that all responded felt. Regardless of their attitude towards vaccinations, many expressed that they were concerned about possible social separations. Radhuber found that measures such as the 2G rule-the people between vaccinated and unvaccinated people-only increase the feeling of separation. "This regulation has reduced the willingness to follow the measures," Radhuber continued. The central conclusion of research is that crisis policy must involve all people in order to be effective, which the experts also confirmed in an additional report by the Austrian Academy of Sciences. "Crisis policy must be communicated at eye level" is the urgent demand of Radhuber, as well as from their colleagues in scientists who are striving for an end to the split.

social cohesion in focus

The scientists warn that the lack of inclusion in crisis situations not only creates short -term problems, but also endangers trust in political and scientific institutions in the long term. Gertrude Saxinger, co-author of the study, emphasizes that the failure of Corona policy can have significant consequences for dealing with future challenges such as climate change. "Crisis policies that promote social cohesion are crucial for the future," says Saxinger, and points out that awareness of social cohesion must be raised in order not to offer any space as it has already happened in Austria href = "https://neu-science.apa.at/power-search/77607070851967"> Neu-science.apa.at .