Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to utilize social geometry framework to model a pandemic (COVID-19) management strategy in densely populated informal settlements in Kenya. Our central claim is that the containment strategy that was instituted to control spread of COVID-19 failed to recognize the socio-cultural and livelihood complexities of the urban slum residents. This unmitigated strategy predisposed the residents to risks of heightened transmission of the pandemic. Drawing on social geometry approach in the analysis of human relations, we reveal some insights offered by our experiences in theorizing about public health intervention (PHI) and in doing so develop an alternative analytical framework (‘social pendulum’) to support the development of a PHI strategy that is compatible with the swing-like lifestyle of residents in the informal settlements. Our conclusion revisits the reliability and validity criteria for the new framework and offers some direction for further research.
Highlights
Containment strategies to control the transmission of COVID-19 were adopted around the world
We have attempted to develop a theoretical framework which can be utilized to inform the development of a public health intervention (PHI) in urban slums of developing countries
We believe that gaps in the PHI not directly addressed by the new proposed paradigm can be addressed by social geometry
Summary
Containment strategies to control the transmission of COVID-19 were adopted around the world. The challenge with the ‘new normal’ strategy of ‘containment’ is that it obfuscates and denies the inequalities of ‘normal.’ From a political economy point of view, the so-called ‘new normal’ includes policies that have further marginalized people living in slums. This structural disruption in urban settlement has wide and deep implications on the social geometries of life. Families in slum areas rely on their social networks to survive through their livelihood needs and to seek social protection through collective actions If this lifestyle is suddenly disrupted by restrictive policies, this community would find it difficult to survive as they do not have a regular source of income. This is more so because the coronaviruses can lead to severe lower respiratory tract infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
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