A Relational Sociological Study on the Effects of Uncertainties in the Case of Influenza in Turkey

Abstract

Health issues, especially global health issues, are important subjects of study for many sociologists. For example, the spread of influenza as a pandemic affects a large number of people and their emotions in terms of fear, becoming a social problem instead of a psychological issue. Because of uncertainties, what is happening and what people should do during global threats is not clear for many people generally and during pandemics specifically. The primary aim of this paper is to show the construction process of fear and risk by conducting a systematic review of former studies about the influenza that occurred in Turkey during the last 10 years. It is assumed that a combination of relational sociology and the sociology of disaster and development will provide an appropriate theoretical framework. In other words, H. White and his uncertainty typology along with A.E. Collins’ classification are both used to define the construction process of fear as a culture, starting with uncertainty and moving to alienation and finally normalization. Findings from this study, which are supported by N. Elias’ and U. Beck’s methodological considerations, revealed that uncertainties may lead to negative consequences, such as alienation. Due to conflicting information, people find themselves in a dilemma and they stop following norms and rules in terms of normlessness. Normlessness, as a sub-division of alienation along with meaningless, might result in negative actions, such as not getting vaccinated. Liminality, turning points and footing are also used to describe the construction process of fear and risk. Results also showed that over a 10-year period many things are normalized and people no longer panic as easily.