Social Distancing during theCOVID-19 Pandemic: Who Are the Present and Future Noncompliers?

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Pedersen, Mogens Jin; Favero, Nathan
• 署名单位: University of Copenhagen; American University
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3352
• DOI: 10.1111/puar.13240
• 发表日期: 2020
• 页码: 805-814
• 关键词: gender-differences; public-opinion; responses; news; platforms; TERRORISM; trust

摘要

Social distancing is an effective means of containing the spread of COVID-19, but only if we all participate. Who are the individuals who are least likely to adhere to social distancing recommendations, presently and in the long term? Such knowledge is important for policy makers looking to sustain the public's buy-in to social distancing. Using survey data from a sample of U.S. residents (n = 1,449), the authors show that some demographic factors (gender, age, race, political party) help predict intent to adhere to social distancing. Yet demographic factors are relatively poor predictors compared with individual attitudes and media diets. Public officials should make efforts to inform and persuade the public of the importance of social distancing, targeting media such as television and radio, where audiences are less likely to currently engage in social distancing or are less likely to envision themselves sustaining strict social distancing for several weeks or months.