Analysis of Youths' Perspective in India On and During the Pandemic of COVID‐19. (23rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basu, Aman; Roy, Ajishnu; Hazra, Amit Kumar; Pramanick, Kousik
• Is Part Of: Social science quarterly. Volume 101:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 1969
• Page End: 1978
• Publication Date: 2020-07-23
• Subjects: Political science -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-4941

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: In this COVID‐19 pandemic, there are not many sound studies focusing on the extensive socioeconomic impact ushered in with this disaster. This work aims to understand the thought of the youth, their opinions and understanding of various aspects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methodology: Using a combined qualitative–quantitative approach, Q‐method, we tried to assess people's discernment from different perspectives. This was done through a questionnaire survey method during the national‐level lockdown 1.0 in India. Results: We have differentiated the perceptions of youth respondents into seven factors, including six subdimensions, on COVID‐19 pandemic (viz., science, society, environment, economy, politics, and religion). The choices and opinions have been segregated into two major groups: quantitative and qualitative. Conclusion: This work yielded a firsthand ground‐level insight into the comprehensive yet diverse responses from youths regarding the COVID‐19 pandemic in India. There are various topics that arise from this study, for example, misinformation, misinterpretation of science, dubious nature of faith in governance and policy, turbid understanding of strategy, polarization of opinion, and so forth. Following this work of identification, the next steps would be to understand how to mitigate the problems toward betterment in the COVID‐19 pandemic situation or similar widespread crisis events in the foreseeable future.