The Case for Democracy in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The new Swift mission is as follows: The SAGE Swifts series showcases the best of social science research that has the potential to influence public policy and practice, [as well as public awareness], resulting in positive social change. We strongly believe that the social sciences are uniquely positioned to make this impact and thus benefit society in a myriad of ways. SAGE Swifts celebrate and support the impact of quality empirical work that provides a provocative intervention into current debates, helping society to meet critical challenges going forward. This book meets the series' aims in the following ways: - There is arguably no greater challenge at this point in time than the covid-19 crisis. This books is written in direct response to this pandemic. - It is a provocative intervention by examining issues through a critical lens: e.g. Which values have driven the key decisions? What have decision-makers focused on? What have they ignored? Why? - The book is both an exercise in and an example of critical thinking, drawing on knowledge and examples from multiple disciplines including public health, history, journalism, psychology, and risk (as well as of course science and epidemiology). - It concludes with a direct plea to policy makers for participatory, deliberative democracy, as a way to respond to future threats to the public good - not only challenges posed by viruses, but also social justice, climate change and poverty. - The book's style will be thorough and readable enough for an informed general reader. It aims to educate, inform, ask questions, and encourage the reader to arrive at his or her own conclusions. It is scholarly and well-researched and presents the information and arguments in an accessible, stimulating fashion.