The Face Mask In COVID Times

The Face Mask In COVID Times
Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
Total Pages : 115
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9783110723717
ISBN-13 : 3110723719
Rating : 4/5 (17 Downloads)

Book Synopsis The Face Mask In COVID Times by : Deborah Lupton

Download or read book The Face Mask In COVID Times written by Deborah Lupton and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2021-04-19 with total page 115 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The simple fabric face mask is a key agent in the fight against the global spread of COVID-19. However, beyond its role as a protective covering against coronavirus infection, the face mask is the bearer of powerful symbolic and political power and arouses intense emotions. Adopting an international perspective informed by social theory, The Face Mask in COVID Times: A Sociomaterial Analysis offers an intriguing and original investigation of the social, cultural and historical dimensions of face-masking as a practice in the age of COVID. Rather than Beck’s ‘risk society’, we are now living in a ‘COVID society’, the long-term effects of which have yet to be experienced or imagined. Everything has changed. The COVID crisis has generated novel forms of sociality and new ways of living and moving through space and time. In this new world, the face mask has become a significant object, positioned as one of the key ways people can protect themselves and others from infection with the coronavirus. The face mask is rich with symbolic meaning as well as practical value. In the words of theorist Jane Bennett, the face mask has acquired a new ‘thing-power’ as it is coming together with human bodies in these times of uncertainty, illness and death. The role of the face mask in COVID times has been the subject of debate and dissension, arousing strong feelings. The historical and cultural contexts in which face masks against COVID contagion are worn (or not worn) are important to consider. In some countries, such as Japan and other East Asian nations, face mask wearing has a long tradition. Full or partial facial coverings, such as veiling, is common practice in regions such as the Middle East. In many other countries, including most countries in the Global North, most people, beyond health care workers, have little or no experience of face masks. They have had to learn how to make sense of face masking as a protective practice and how to incorporate face masks into their everyday practices and routines. Face masking practices have become highly political. The USA has witnessed protests against face mask wearing that rest on ‘sovereign individualism’, a notion which is highly specific to the contemporary political climate in that country. Face masks have also been worn to make political statements: bearing anti-racist statements, for example, but also Trump campaign support. Meanwhile, celebrities and influencers have sought to advocate for face mask wearing as part of their branding, while art makers, museums, designers and novelty fashion manufacturers have identified the opportunity to profit from this sudden new market. Face masks have become a fashion item as well as a medical device: both a way of signifying the wearer’s individuality and beliefs and their ethical stance in relation to the need to protect their own and others’ health. The Face Mask in COVID Times: A Sociomaterial Analysis provides a short and accessible analysis of the sociomaterial dimensions of the face mask in the age of COVID-19. The book presents seven short chapters and an epilogue. We bring together sociomaterial theoretical perspectives with compelling examples from public health advice and campaigns, anti-mask activism as well as popular culture (news reports, blog posts, videos, online shopping sites, art works) to illustrate our theoretical points, and use Images to support our analysis.


The Face Mask In COVID Times Related Books

Face and Mask
Language: en
Pages: 276
Authors: Hans Belting
Categories: Art
Type: BOOK - Published: 2022-06-14 - Publisher: Princeton University Press

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A cultural history of the face in Western art, ranging from portraiture in painting and photography to film, theater, and mass media This fascinating book prese
The Face Mask In COVID Times
Language: en
Pages: 115
Authors: Deborah Lupton
Categories: Social Science
Type: BOOK - Published: 2021-04-19 - Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The simple fabric face mask is a key agent in the fight against the global spread of COVID-19. However, beyond its role as a protective covering against coronav
The ICU Book
Language: en
Pages: 1096
Authors: Paul L. Marino
Categories: Medical
Type: BOOK - Published: 2007 - Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This best-selling resource provides a general overview and basic information for all adult intensive care units. The material is presented in a brief and quick-
Image and Graphics Technologies and Applications
Language: en
Pages: 502
Authors: Wang Yongtian
Categories: Computers
Type: BOOK - Published: 2023-10-24 - Publisher: Springer Nature

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 18th Chinese Conference on Image and Graphics Technologies and Applications, IGTA 2023, held in Beijing, C
Mask Improvisation for Actor Training & Performance
Language: en
Pages: 238
Authors: Sears A. Eldredge
Categories: Performing Arts
Type: BOOK - Published: 1996 - Publisher: Northwestern University Press

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Because mask improvisation work is relatively new in American theater training, this book is designed not only to acquaint readers with the theory of mask impro