Protect, Survive or Rebel. The shifting roles of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

Abstract

As Australia continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, social distancing and isolation are measures used to contain the virus. During the early phase of the pandemic, young adults were characterised as uncaring and selfish, as media reports highlighted anti-social behaviour supposedly demonstrating widespread lack of regard for others in the community. It has been widely reported that this demographic is unlikely to suffer severe health outcomes if contracting the virus. Conversely, they face an uncertain economic future and adverse social consequences from extended periods of social distancing and isolation practices. This juxtaposition seems to strengthen the case against young adults and their attitudes and behaviours during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study set about uncovering realities of lived experiences of young adults during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic. Involving in-depth semi-structured interviews (n=28) conducted via Zoom to explore attitudes and behaviours towards social distancing and other personal preventative measures, personal social implications and experiences of connection to others. Participants were aged 18-29 years and residing in major metropolitan centres in New South Wales or Canberra between March 2020 and June 2020. Far from anti-social stereotypes, the study found three new social identities emerge through the behaviours of young adults. Furthermore, role-taking of vulnerable others from family, friendship networks and wider society supported pro-sociality for many during this time. This provides potential implications for policymakers seeking to promote prosocial behaviours during future crises. Show more