A Framework for Social Science in Epidemics

Abstract

In epidemic preparedness and response, it is now commonly accepted that insights from social science disciplines are important in shaping action. Unfortunately, the role of social science is often confined to risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) efforts. In this article, we propose an analytical framework that would allow researchers and practitioners from different disciplines to employ social science insights to enrich their understanding of epidemics and formulate more effective and sustainable responses. The framework goes beyond simply unpacking social, political, economic and cultural dimensions of context; it situates disease itself – as it is shaped by the contexts in which it circulates – and views it in dynamic relation to response. It also explores how different individuals, social groups and institutions shift their knowledge and practices during an epidemic through power-laden processes of dialogue and learning, or even through silencing and side-lining. It is our hope that this framework will enable responders to engage more deeply and systematically with the contexts of emergencies, so as to ensure activities are more adaptive to local dynamics.

Global Mapping and Visualization Analysis of One Health Knowledge in the COVID-19 Context

“…First, social sciences aid in our knowledge of human behavior and risk perception by revealing how people perceive and react to health threats, which affects their adherence to preventive interventions and readiness to embrace behavioral adjustments 106 and may put them at risk. 107 As well as addressing the disproportionate effect of pandemics on disadvantaged groups and highlighting structural injustices to be addressed, social sciences offer light on health inequalities and vulnerable populations. 108 - 110 The study of governance and policy frameworks by the social sciences also aids in efficient coordination and fact-based decision-making in pandemic response.…”

Global narratives on unequal outcomes produced by lockdown in Africa: A social science perspective on the “one-size-fits all” COVID-19 response

“…How the disease is framed by different actors can shape the course of epidemics including the way the population perceives the disease and the risks it poses, how they engage with response activities, and how the response strategy is designed. Biomedical and epidemiological “expert” evidence may dominate, but this may contrast with local communities' models of disease, knowledge from other disciplines, and information from non-experts ( 34 , 35 ).…”

The centrality of (mis)trust in pandemic preparedness in Sub-Saharan Africa: a conceptual framework

“…Parker et al 2022) and social determinants of health (e.g. Ripoll et al 2022). These contexts in turn influence how policy decisions are reached and enforced in the outbreak climate, the (in)efficacy of behaviour change communication, and how infodemics and social media (mis)information are contributed to and received.…”