Belarus and COVID-19: the experience of sociological research

Authors

  • Maxim A. Kudrevich National Institute for Higher Education, 15 Maskoŭskaja Street, Minsk 220007, Belarus
  • Katsiaryna V. Sakharava Institute of Sociology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1 Surhanava Street, 2 building, Minsk 220012, Belarus
  • Alena V. Shkurova Centre for System Analysis and Strategic Research, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1 Akademičnaja Street, Minsk 220072, Belarus

Keywords:

COVID-19, social practices, social adaptation strategies, pandemic, health-saving behaviour
Supporting Agencies
The work was carried out with the support of the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Basic Research within the framework of the scientific project No. Г21КОВИД017 «Strategies for social adaptation of the population of the Republic of Belarus in the conditions of the spread of COVID-19 infection».

Abstract

The spread of coronavirus infection in 2020 necessitated the development of new forms of behaviour and norms for their regulation. The experience of a sociological study of ways of adapting the population to the spread of COVID-19, based on the popularisation of protective and restrictive anti-COVID practices, is analysed. Protective practices include washing hands, using antiseptic and wearing medical masks in public places, while restrictive practices include localising communication and avoiding public places. The features of the dynamics of self-preserving and health-saving behaviour as one of the necessary measures of reproduction and security of the individual are studied. Prospects for the transformation of anti-COVID practices are characterised. Their specificity is manifested in the fact that, despite the rapid spread of infection, without the impact of a risk factor, they lose their relevance. The attitude of the population to vaccination, as well as its features, is considered. They consist in the fact that the population ceases to perceive COVID-19 as a serious threat, treats preventive measures as a recommended, not a mandatory norm. The assessment by the population of the success of the Belarusian experience in combating coronavirus infection and the effectiveness of the Belarusian healthcare system, as well as the prospects for changing the perception of coronavirus infection, is presented. They are associated with the gradual getting used to the pandemic reality, which often carries the threat of ignoring the problems and dangers associated with the spread of COVID-19.

Author Biographies

  • Maxim A. Kudrevich, National Institute for Higher Education, 15 Maskoŭskaja Street, Minsk 220007, Belarus

    postgraduate student at the department of philosophy and methodology of university education

  • Katsiaryna V. Sakharava, Institute of Sociology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1 Surhanava Street, 2 building, Minsk 220012, Belarus

    head of the sector of information support for sociological research, Operational Research Centre

  • Alena V. Shkurova, Centre for System Analysis and Strategic Research, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 1 Akademičnaja Street, Minsk 220072, Belarus

    PhD (sociology), docent; head of the Operational Research Centre

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Published

2023-08-17

Issue

No. 1 (2023): Journal of the Belarusian State University. Sociology

Section

From the Working Table of a Sociologist

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How to Cite

[1]
Kudrevich, M.A. et al. 2023. Belarus and COVID-19: the experience of sociological research. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Sociology. 1 (Aug. 2023), 91–99. DOI:https://doi.org/10.33581/2521-6821-2023-1-91-99.