Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Vesperi, Maria
Area of Concentration
Anthropology
Abstract
COVID-19 has killed millions of people worldwide, and while multiple studies have shown that face masks are effective at mitigating the spread of the virus there are many people who refuse to wear them. Using qualitative and quantitative survey data collected online through pro- and anti-face mask Facebook groups, this study attempts to trace whether or not empathy or other determinants play a role in one’s decision to wear a face mask in public. While the findings do not show a direct link between empathy and mask wearing in public, other determinants such as political affiliation and news sources were found to have a direct effect. The implications of this study along with the rest of the new literature coming out during the pandemic can help change policy decisions that in the future will help to mitigate the disastrous effects of pandemics.
Recommended Citation
Spence, Jacob, "Mask Wearing and the Cultural Divide: A Snapshot from the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2021). Theses & ETDs. 6147.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6147