Introduction: Leiden Anthropologists Reflect on the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak raises fundamental questions about the politics and narratives of crisis, as well as about our “ordinary” everyday lives and sociality. Irene Moretti and Annemarie Samuels introduce a collection of blogposts of Leiden Anthropologists reflecting on the pandemic.

Annemarie Samuels and Irene Moretti • March 23, 2020 • 1 comment

Should We Return to “Normal”?

What is the “normal life” politicians refer to when they mark the current crisis as a state of abnormality? Andrew Littlejohn raises the important question of whether we should want to return to our previous “normalcy”, or whether perhaps this normative order itself is deeply destructive.

Andrew Littlejohn • March 23, 2020

Covid-19: a Conversation about Cultural Differences, Nationalism and Care

In this blogpost, Irene Moretti and Erik Bähre have a conversation about the approaches adopted by the Netherlands and Italy to curb the spread of the virus. In doing so, they focus on cultural differences, nationalism and ideas of care.

Irene Moretti and Erik Bähre • March 23, 2020

Making sense in times of uncertainty: ‘models of’ and ‘models for’ the covid-19 pandemic

The rapid spread of covid-19 creates fear and uncertainty, triggering an acute need for theories built on trusted knowledge. Erik de Maaker reflects on how lay and expert theories influence each other in the Netherlands.

Erik de Maaker • March 23, 2020

Responsibility in Pandemic Times and beyond: Otherness and Subalternity

The recent outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic forces us to reflect on our shared responsibility to curb the spread of the virus. Irene Moretti wonders what this health crisis might teach us about notions of the Other in everyday life.

Irene Moretti • March 23, 2020 • 1 comment

The worst of citizens, the best of citizens

What is good citizenship in times of COVID-19? Andrea Ragragio reflects on social media discussions of citizenship in the Philippines.

Andrea Ragragio • March 23, 2020

Solidarity Networks in Times of Crisis: New Initiatives and Long-term Networks in Gdańsk, Poland

In the context of recent drastic changes and the emergence of novel ways to create and to continue solidarity networks, one might ask whether there is any hope for long lasting societal transformations? Ola Gracjasz reflects on the possibilities for continuing solidarity networks in Gdańsk, Poland.

Ola Gracjasz • March 23, 2020

“End Times” Anthropology: Lessons from the Pantaron Manobo

Myfel Paluga reflects on what the Pantaron Manobo’s tradition of neighbour-distancing may teach us about valuing old and new modes of living in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Myfel Paluga • March 23, 2020

Can the Might of a Taiwanese Goddess Prevent you from Getting the Virus?

In February, both proponents and opponents of the postponement of one of Taiwan’s largest religious parades framed their arguments in spiritual terms. Fang-I Chu describes her amazement at the creativity of Han-Chinese Folk religion in Taiwan.

Fang-I Chu • March 23, 2020