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.
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