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Physical distancing – Necessity or Luxury? : Culture, population density and COVID-19 in Zimbabwean Society
Madongonda, Angeline Mavis; Gudhlanga, Enna Sukutai (2023): Physical distancing – Necessity or Luxury? : Culture, population density and COVID-19 in Zimbabwean Society, in: Molly Manyonganise (Hrsg.), Religion and Health in a COVID-19 Context : Experiences from Zimbabwe, Bamberg: University of Bamberg Press, S. 161–182, doi: 10.20378/irb-92495.
Title of the compilation:
Religion and Health in a COVID-19 Context : Experiences from Zimbabwe
Editors:
Publisher Information:
Year of publication:
2023
Pages:
ISBN:
978-3-86309-911-4
Language:
English
DOI:
Abstract:
The period of COVID-19 has seen the proliferation of the pandemic the world over. Among mitigatory measures was physical distancing, initially named social distancing. However, in urban areas where population density is high in Zimbabwe, physical distancing becomes a luxury. Most Zimbabweans, particularly in urban areas live in high-density areas, almost squalid conditions. Zimbabweans are a hospitable lot whose familial ties are binding and this means the extended family (a significant number of people) can stay in one household. The economy does not help matters either with people being forced by circumstances to converge in large numbers in the community at any given time to irk out a living. This therefore presents a challenge where the World Health Organisation COVID-19 protocol of physical distancing appears to be offside. The protocol of physical distancing does not take into consideration population density of given areas, let alone the socio-economic and religio-cultural dimensions of any given society. This chapter is thus an exploration of the circumstances under which the average Zimbabwean must operate to survive. It also examines the traditional indigenous/ religious beliefs that uphold the spirit of ubuntu fostering communal existence vis-à-vis the COVID-19 pandemic. Informal interviews were conducted on how the average Zimbabwean fares on an average day and targeted informal traders ordinary Zimbabweans. A convenience sample of selected research participants was drawn from Harare’s CBD area to examine the applicability of physical distancing in Zimbabwean society. The study revealed that for many living in the high-density areas, physical distancing is a luxury, as people tend to prioritise survival in a harsh economic climate ahead of the COVID-19 protocol of physical distancing first. This research is informed by Ubuntu theory where Shona religious beliefs frown at individualism and uphold teamwork despite the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
GND Keywords: ; ; ; ; ;
Simbabwe
COVID-19
Pandemie
Gesellschaft
Soziale Distanz
Ubuntu <Philosophie>
Keywords: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
physical distancing
culture
population density
COVID-19
Zimbabwe
Shona
Harare
Ubuntu
pandemic
mitigation
DDC Classification:
RVK Classification:
Type:
Contribution to an Articlecollection
Activation date:
January 9, 2024
Permalink
https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/92495