The COVID-19 Mask: Toward an Understanding of Social Meanings and Responses. (18th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: St-Amant, Oona; Rummens, J. Anneke; Parada, Henry; Wilson-Mitchell, Karline
• Is Part Of: Advances in nursing science. Volume 45:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2021-10-18
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- meaning of facemask -- symbolic interactionism; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; 362.173
• DOI: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000393
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-9268

Abstract

Abstract : The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented restrictions on everyday life. Unlike lockdown or shelter-in-place measures, the facemask has emerged as an empowering response to the public spread of the virus, permitting some degree of return to prepandemic life—such as school or work—by disrupting transmission that would otherwise occur. And yet, this utilitarian tool has attracted considerable controversy and polarized opinions. This article uses Blumer's adaptation of symbolic interactionism as a theoretical roadmap to examine the various meanings ascribed to the facemask and its usage. We discuss how it is socially perceived and consider implications for health care providers within the Canadian social context.