Pandemic and the Risk: A Sociological Analysis of Present Condition of Indian Society Due to Covid-19

Abstract

Indian society is diverse and has a complex social order. It has been shaped by various processes such as industrialization, globalization, and modernization. Indian societies are often affected by various public health crises. Recently COVID-19 outbreak has shattered the world. After its emergence in the city of Wuhan in China, it has gradually spread to other countries making them more vulnerable. Academicians and the experts have warned about the deadliest consequences of COVID-19. Sociologists who study social phenomena need to analyze the consequences associated with COVID-19 sociologically. The consequences are not simply health issues but in terms of economy, education, and many more. The world affected by the pandemic is all set to alter the societal structures and functions. The entire globe is at risk because of this. The concept of risk society was advocated by Ulrich Beck and for him; risks of modern society are reflexive and self-induced. Technological changes and human activities have been the causes of risk in modern society. With the impact of globalization, the consequence of the risk is not only personal but also global. The ‘new modernity’ phase of the modern world ultimately has given birth to a risk society. In new modernity, nature and society are one hence every action goes for the management of this risk. COVID-19 has not only affected the Indian health sector but also our environment, education sector, economy, polity, and, everything. The risks are multifaceted and India being a developing country is more vulnerable. The present paper is based on secondary sources and aims at discussing the risk society concept in association with Indian society due to the present COVID- 19 situation. Along with this, the paper attempts to suggest possible ways of managing these risks.