Pandemic, Discipline, and Control

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show how epidemic COVID-19 has transformed general social life, solidary and selfish forms of behaviour, state control, people's discipline, and execution of political and class (i.e. private) power. The introductory section describes the specific nature of danger embodied in the virus and highlights the emotions and problems it triggers. The second section deals with self-protective measures, their influence on interpersonal relations, every-day routines, and sociality in general; besides, it indicates a variety of reasons for their rejection. The third part contains the analysis of the changes pandemic has caused in the relationship between capital and labour. In addition, special attention is payed to various political protests v the (first) period of the "new normality". Finally, the need for democratic social control, being incompatible with the structural logic of the capitalist economy, is pointed out. Moreover, its realisation seems increasingly unlikely because of numerous negative economic, financial, social, and ideological repercussions triggered by the pandemic and associated with various reactive emotions (e.g. fear, anger, indignation, resentment, envy, humiliation, and shame) being a considerable support for authoritarian, right-wing populist, nationalist, racist, and antifeminist political orientations and movements.