The crowding of social distancing: How social context and interpersonal connections affect individual responses to the coronavirus*

Debra Leiter, Jack Reilly and Beth Vonnahme

Social Science Quarterly, 2021, vol. 102, issue 5, 2435-2451

Abstract: Objective This study investigates the degree to which social connections and social context shape attitudes and behaviors surrounding the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Methods In April and August 2020, we surveyed Americans about their social context and asked a range of questions related to the coronavirus and social distancing. Results Social crowding, social networks, and social context are related to support for social distancing policies and compliance with those policies. Conclusion The coronavirus pandemic created hardships; hardships made more difficult by the inability to physically interact with extended family and friends and the inability to find space away from immediate family. This research suggests that understanding compliance with public policies requires attention to interpersonal connections.

Date: 2021
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